In a galaxy on the brink of civil war, the Brotherhood seeks to keep the peace through diplomacy, subterfuge, and control of both technological advances and the carefully gathered knowledge of countless worlds. But now Speaker Archon, formerly a privateer and currently head of the world of Star's Rest, has brought news of a discovery which may prove a great boon to humankind, or a catalyst for its destruction.
Praise for The Artifact:

"With The Artifact, Gear hits his stride, spinning a fast-paced yarn of galactic intrigue and battles in space...exhilerating high adventure." --Locus

"Galactic intrigue combines with military science fiction in a tightly woven, intricate story with strong male and female characters...highly recommended." --Library Journal

"Gear has produced his best science fiction work in this novel...excellent." --Kliatt