An ancient prophet foresaw the overthrow of the Emperor by the twelfth son of the twelfth son. Since that time, it has been forbidden for families to have more than five children; however, it is common for authorities to turn a blind eye to large families on distant worlds.

Cesta Mencho was born on Diumi, a planet circling an expanding red giant. As a result of the star's expansion, the planet is slowly undergoing global desertification -- a key part of the prophecy. The situation is monitored by the Council of Clerics back on Earth and by the Ministry of Family Management on Diumi; after nine years, they determine that Cesta is the prophesied child and execute plans to kill him before he can fulfill his destiny, unaware that it is their attempts to kill Cesta which will lead him to overthrow the Emperor.

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