"Podkayne Fries, born and raised on Mars, has just one ambition: to earn her wings as a starship pilot and rise through the ranks to command deep-space explorations. The opportunity to travel aboard the Tricorn--on an interstellar journey to Venus and Earth in the company of her diplomat uncle--is a dream come true. Poddy's idea of diplomacy is trying to handle her troublesome brother, Clark. But she's about to learn some things about war and peace."--From back cover.