Invader

About “Invader”

"Second Contact" is a science fiction novel by C.J. Cherryh. Nearly two centuries after the starship Phoenix vanished, it returns to the orbit of the planet where humans are stranded, threatening the balance between human and atevi societies. Bren Cameron, a young paidhi serving the atevi, is recalled from Mospheira after surgery. His return is complicated by the presence of Deanna Hanks, his paidhi-successor, who represents a faction that opposes the atevi. Without a recall order, Bren faces isolation and the threat of assassination. To prevent disaster, he considers reaching out directly to the Phoenix, a risky move that could permanently separate him from his people.