His name is Pharaoh Farrow, and he lives a thousand years after human life has spread to the stars and joined non-human life in the rowdy commerce of the galaxy. Maybe someday he'll retire to that sheep farm he's always talking about, but until then he works as a private investigator, earning just enough to keep his old ship repaired, food in his belly, and beer in the cooler. When a wealthy and secretive man hires him to find his daughter, Pharaoh assumes it's just another missing persons case, no different from jobs he's handled a hundred times before. The pay will be good, but only if he...

Pharaoh Farrow, private investigator in a distant future, wants to leave the dismal little planet where his old ship, the Hilda, has suffered through expensive repairs. Very expensive repairs. His pockets are empty and he'd like to get a few supplies before he goes. It's the only reason he agrees to meet the nervous little man who has a job for him. Unfortunately, before the morning is over, the man who hires him drops dead at his feet, smugglers shoot at him, a beautiful woman demands his help, and he learns this insignificant world on the far edge of the galaxy has attracted the attention...

Mary was born in 1918 and lived through to the end of a chaotic century. It may have been humanity's bloodiest, but it was also one that brought more social and technological change than all other centuries combined. In spite of the hardships she endured when young, Mary always believed herself fortunate in the love of her husband and her children. Her poetry is about growing up, about family and friendships, and about celebrating life and her faith.