A civilian analyst in the Confederation of Human Worlds' Development Control Division of the Department of Colonial Development, Population Control, and Xenobiological Studies notices a peculiar series of incidents on the colony world called Maugham's Station and flags it as having possible military interest.

The 34th Fleet Initial Strike Team (FIST) is dispatched to investigate the situation on Maugham's Station and, if necessary, drive the Skinks from the planet.

's navy is delighted to have a chance to make war, and he acts without notifying the civilian government.

Publishers Weekly said, for instance, that "you don't have to be a military SF buff to appreciate this entertaining and instructive exercise";[1] Roland Green, writing for Booklist, meanwhile, said it was "in its own way intelligent and agreeable".

[2] Cassada Jackie, writing for the Library Journal, highlighted its "familiar characters and catchy dialog".