The book that introduced the Hani to the world. In C.J. Cherryh's first novel in this series, the cat-like aliens find the human stowaway on their ship. This is one of only 3 or 4 cover paintings in which Michael used himself as a model. He had been working too much and was stressed out about making the deadline. When it came time to paint Tully, the man who had escaped from the cruel and abusive aliens you see in the background, Michael knew that in his haggard state he was the perfect model.