DAVID WEBER himself contributes three never-before-published excursions into Honor's world, among them the story of how she first discovered her own inner strength and courage; and a chapter in the history of the telepathic treecats, who form a bond with their chosen human that can only be severed by death. ROLAND GREEN, author of the 'Starcruiser Shenandoah' series and the 'Peace Company' series, delivers a hardhitting tale of conflict between Manticore and the People's Republic of Haven. LINDA EVANS, co-author of 'Time Scout', explores life with the treecats before Honor came. And JAMES LINDSKOLD, author of 'Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls', tells how Honor's Queen, Elizabeth III, had to learn the hard way what monarchy was all about.