Glory Road

E. C. “Scar” Gordon was on the French Riviera recovering from a tour of combat in Southeast Asia when an ad in the paper leapt out at him: Are you a coward? This is not for you. We badly need a brave man. He must be 23 to 25 years old, in perfect health, at least six feet tall, weigh about 190 pounds, fluent English with some French, proficient with all weapons, some knowledge of engineering and mathematics essential, willing to travel, no family or emotional ties, indomitably courageous and handsome of face and figure. Permanent employment, very high pay, glorious adventure, great danger. You must apply in person, 17 rue Dante, Nice, 2me étage, apt. D. As it seemed to describe him perfectly, he went to the apartment and was greeted by the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. She had many names but agreed he could call her Star. An appropriate name, it turned out, for the empress of twenty universes.