<p>Stranded on the distant planet Tschai, young Adam Reith is the sole survivor of a space mission who discovers the world is inhabited--not only by warring alien cultures, but human slaves as well, taken early in Earth''s history. Reith <i>must </i>find a way off planet to warn the Earth of Tschai''s deadly existence.<br><br>Against a backdrop of baroque cities and haunted wastelands, sumptuous palaces and riotous inns, Reith will encounter deadly wastrels and murderous aliens, dastardly villains and conniving scoundrels.<br><br>And always the random beauty in need of rescue...</p>