DRAGON RISING

Jade Falcon Galaxy Commander Malvina Hazen and her warriors on the planet Skye receive a visit from a Hell's Horses ship, whose commander issues a Trial of Possession for the wartime doctrine he claims Malvina stole from his Clan. Although she bests her opponent in single BattleTech combat, Malvina's actions may herald the beginnings of a civil war that could unmake the Clan-and the galaxy.

Ilsa J. Bick is an award-winning science fiction author primarily known for her Star Trek novels and short stories, which began with publication in the Strange New Worlds anthology series. Her first Star Trek novel, Well of Souls, became a 2003 Barnes & Noble bestseller.

Her story, ""The Quality of Wetness,"" took Second Prize in the prestigious Writers of the Future contest in 2000. She currently lives in Wisconsin.