In a galaxy where bad aliens look like good food, Court diz Astor has problems. First, as an unwilling member of the Fist, Earth’s secret corps of alien-fighting commandos, Court is being chased by a squad of alien assassins who look like they leapt from a Denny's menu.

Worse, these aliens plan to seize Earth - not by invasion, but by litigation before the Galactic Tribunal, based on a claim made in Earth’s prehistory and recently discovered in an ancient spacewreck. Under Galactic Law the claim is good and Earth will soon be sculpted into an alien Disneyland of sulfur pits and acid volcanoes. Unless Court can travel to Earth's prehistory, disrupt the alien claiming ceremony, and make it back to the Galactric Tribunal. Without being eaten by food.

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