Citizen of the Galaxy

Young Thorby, a human slave boy, is cast adrift after his parents are murdered on an alien world. Purchased by Baslim the Cripple, a seemingly ordinary beggar, Thorby is trained not just in mendicancy but in a complex system of observation, memory, and languages. Baslim, far from being simple, is a deep-cover intelligence agent who meticulously educates Thorby, preparing him for a destiny unknown. Upon Baslim's death, Thorby is passed through a series of guardians – a Free Trader matriarch, a military captain, and finally, a powerful banking clan – each revealing more about the vast, intricate galaxy and his own mysterious origins. As he navigates diverse cultures, forms unexpected bonds, and grapples with the injustice of slavery, Thorby slowly uncovers his true identity and heritage, ultimately finding his place in a universe far larger and more dangerous than he ever imagined, transforming from a chattel to a citizen.