Stephen Silk

Dearest

Colonel Hampton's nephew, who conspires with his wife Myra to have the Colonel committed; he is shot by Myra during the confrontation.

Null-A.B.C.

Ambassador who visits the Hickock Ranch, indicating diplomatic interactions.

The Return

Referred to as 'Ambassador Silk' in the context of the community; mentioned in the timeline events but not directly active in this chapter.

Time Crime

Ambassador who visits the Hickock Ranch, indicating diplomatic interactions in the alternate timeline.

Lone Star Planet

Protagonist and envoy from Earth, newly arrived on New Texas.

I

Protagonist and newly appointed Ambassador to New Texas; author of the controversial article signed 'Machiavelli, Jr.'

II

Newly appointed Ambassador to New Texas, receives briefing and orders to carry weapons, begins to suspect a plot against him.

III

The Solar League Ambassador, who arrives at New Austin spaceport and is forcibly taken to the Embassy by his staff.

IV

Newly accredited Ambassador to New Texas, navigates the barbecue and diplomatic introductions.

IV

Mentions Gail, who is angry about being stood up at the spaceport.

V

The narrator and ambassador who witnesses the trial and later saves President Hutchinson's life.

VI

Newly arrived Ambassador, leads the council and questions the staff about Cumshaw's murder and local politics.

VII

Ambassador Silk visits Hickock ranch, learns about New Texas politics, and devises a plan to prevent the Bonney brothers' conviction in the Court of Political Justice.

The Trial Begins

Acts as amicus curiae, cross-examines witnesses to expose inconsistencies and suggests a conspiracy behind Cumshaw's murder.

The Trial Concludes: Jurisdictional Challenge

Ambassador Silk orchestrates the defense's downfall by revealing the true nature of the crime and challenging the court's jurisdiction, securing the Bonneys' release to protect Solar League diplomatic immunity.

XI

Confronts and kills the Bonney brothers in court, threatens the z'Srauff Ambassador, and later marries a local rancher's daughter.

The Keeper

A Southron who leads the group that captures Raud after he recovers the Crown. He is polite but firm, and explains the Crown's significance.

Crossroads of Destiny

The plump television producer who proposes the 'Crossroads of Destiny' show concept.