Reissue of two novels, long out of print, known collectively as the Central Control sequence: Star Rangers (1953) and Star Guard (1955). An alien collective known as Central Control runs the galaxy. Humans, too belligerent for full membership, are third-class citizens, and supply mercenary soldiers to anyone who can pay. In Star Guard, young Arch Swordsman Third Class Kana Karr signs up for an alien-contact assignment on planet Fronn and, after various adventures, discovers humanity's real agenda. Only tenuously connected, Star Rangers is a variant on the “lost legion” yarn that Norton herself, and many others, has elsewhere used to good effect. Pulpish but entertaining, the sort of material Norton cut her teeth on: should fit right in alongside the Webers, Moons, Flints, Asaros, Ringos, Drakes, etc.
