Acknowledgments

I will always be grateful Sheila Gilbert of DAW, my editor-dear, believed in my first novel, A Thousand Words for Stranger. Even more, I’m grateful for her continued belief in me. What you hold in your hands is the result of her support, trust, and enthusiasm for my work, not to mention her vast skill as an editor to make that work worthy of you. Sheila’s been nominated twice for the Hugo for good reason and I sincerely hope, by the time this is published, she’ll have won.

DAW Books is more than my insanely talented (and adorable) editor, of course. Please, every one, take a very well-earned bow. Betsy Wollheim (Hugo-winning editor!), Peter Stampfel, Joshua Starr, Katie Hoffman, Briar Herrera-Ludewig, Marsha Jones, Paula Greenberg, Sarah Guan, and George! My thanks also to Jessica Cooney of Penguin Canada. An author couldn’t ask for a better publisher-family, or friends.

My previous science fiction titles from DAW, including my first novel, have covers by the famed Luis Royo. How could we possibly match that? Well, we did. Thank you, Matt Stawicki, for the stunning, passionate, and accurate cover you created for this book. It not only stands proudly with the rest of the series, but you’ve captured Sira as she is now perfectly. (The Hair!)

Speaking of series. Gulf is book seven, after all, and I’d taken a long break from writing in this universe. (There were toads.) Coming back, I knew I needed help. I ran a competition to find betareaders for the series. A wonderful number entered, studying the books with glee. Thank you very much!

The following individuals read my first draft manuscript with an eye to any errors of content: my official Betareaders Carla Mamone and Lyndsay Stuart. They provided me with thorough (blush) lists of my mistakes and I thank you both from the bottom of my heart. Any goofs left in the book are my fault. (Thank you Timothy (Sir Tim) Bowie who stayed at the ready.)

Thank you, Jennifer, my first reader, for your always valuable thoughts on the book. (And for the photos of reading it in exotic Bali. Wow!) I couldn’t let it out the door without you. My good friend Janet E. Chase jumped in to read when I had a shaky moment. Thanks, BF! Whew.

You’ll find some familiar names in these pages, characters won at charity auctions over the past few years. Thank you all for your support of such excellent causes and for letting me do my worst to your namesakes. In alphabetical order: Andrea Knight (Andi sud Prendolat), Carla Mamone (Arla di Licor), Dennis Csurgai (Deni and Cha sud Annk), Destiny Nelson (Destin di Anel), Holly Hina (Holl di Licor), Jacqueline Lam (Jacqui di Mendolar), Jana Paniccia (Janac di Paniccia), Karina Sumner-Smyth (Kari Bowman), Kim Nakano (Janina Michi), Lawren Louli (Magpie Louli, Witness), Lee Sessoms (Leesems di Licor), Lyndsay Stuart (Asdny di Licor), Ruth Stuart (Ruti di Bowart), Timothy Bowie (Ruti di Bowart and Hom M’Tisri, the Vilix), and Victoria (Nik di Prendolat).

The past year was full of memorable events. I’d like to thank all of my gracious hosts and friends: Chattacon 40 (Chattanooga TN), Perfect Books and Can-Con (site of the Aurora-Anticipation Party) (Ottawa ON), Bakka-Phoenix Books, INSPIRE!, and Ad Astra (Toronto ON), #RRSciFiMonth, the fabulous Mindy and Mark Maddrey (Washington/World Fantasy), Manticore Books (Orillia ON), and Oasis 27 (Orlando FL). It was wonderful to finally meet my online friends, Susie and Lee, Cyn and Gabie, in person. Thanks for coming the distance! You made us smile then and still do! My thanks to Boko Bakery for inventing the perfect Nyim Cookies. I gratefully acknowledge the hard work and enthusiasm of Catherine McLaughlin, Kristy Maddock, and Sandra Kennedy, (and friends), who made my events at their Chapters extraordinary. My thanks to Dr. Rick Wilber and his students for inviting me into their classroom. Thank you, 2nd Avenue, for Sparklers, Signs, and Celebrations!

To Scott Czerneda and Erin Stirling. May your road be ever filled with light.

My dear readers. Here you go. Reunification.

Buckle up!