Sinclair, a callow youth, journeys to the remote planet Tartarus, seeking information on his father who died there. Most of his knowledge about his father he has gleaned from a memory cube, which contains his father's personality. Tartarus is a backwoods planet, where large flying creatures are used to pull trains. Adventures befall Sinclair and he certainly meets his destiny. Atmospheric writing gives a steamy feel to the jungle planet. ( )