POWER LINES

Sequel to the fine sentient-planet yarn Powers That Be (1993). Again the self-aware planet Petaybee, with its well-adapted inhabitants, clashes with the ruthless Intergal Company, which intends to mine—in effect, rape—the planet for its valuable ores. Intergal dispatches two tough investigators to ``prove'' that the planet is neither alive nor sentient, and therefore ripe for exploitation. The beautiful and open-minded Marmion Algemeine is soon won over, but ambitious Matthew Luzon is a tougher opponent. He uncovers some dissenting residents—they have been subverted by cruel pirates, so it emerges, and cut off from communing with the planetary consciousness. Another Luzon ally, unwashed religious fanatic Shepherd Howling, knows the planet is sentient but believes it to be a ravening monster. All the important characters from volume one reappear, not to mention the intelligent big cats who carry messages for the natives. Another charming, fully realized, well-rounded effort, the sole drawback being the ending with its disappointing similarity to the original Powers.