Kor, protagonist, character sketch
(spoiler: some plot elements are revealed in the character write-up)
Kor is a Militant sub-set human designed to be an elite soldier for the Starry Empire. He and those like him are not permitted to have interactions with non-militants beyond the performance of duty. When a militant is no longer useful or deemed deficient, he is recycled.
The Starry Empire created the men of Zorn to be soldiers, things to be used and discarded on demand. As for the women…Kor had never seen one though among the natural born they were supposed to be as common as men, no less powerful, and no less free. The ruling Chorus reflected that—one woman, one man, one both and neither. But on Zorn, the women were never allowed to see the light of day.
Kor is coming of age, drawn to Earth culture, and about to be christened a man before his Steel Rose clan. On that day, his name is added to the "death pool", the empire's candidate list to draft into service for the Brigades. He is an only son, unusual for high clans, but within the Steel Rose compound there are many cousins and uncles. During a wargame training exercise for green bloods (new recruits), he is possessed by an entire company of Psians who force him to slaughter his platoon, which included his betrothed and friends. Kor's resistance to possession was exceptional and so the psyche wardens spared his life, releasing him back into the world. But he no longer felt a connection with his fated life.
His infatuation with Earth music grew. He carved a flute in sparse spare time. He retreated to his Painted Garden, a place of natural wonder, and dreamed of different futures where he didn't have to serve and to kill on command. But the priests were pushing an ever more rigid adherence to the Code, an ever more restrictive view of how a model militant should be. The standard punishments for disobedience or deviance were no longer guaranteed. Kor’s wants were at odds with everything he must be.
He doesn't forgive himself for killing Jude, his betrothed. Many high clans on the militant home world of Zorn have shunned Steel Rose, including Jude’s clan, Iron Star. Dex of Iron Star, a brother of Jude, turned from close friend to adversary. Kor finds himself needing forgiveness, taking on deep shame, and wanting his father's approval more than ever. He wants to be free but also loved. His desire takes him beyond the intended origins of his creators, a liberating, exuberant journey far into deep space. But the journey comes at a high cost.
