E•A•R•T•H•C•L•A•N by David Brin STARTIDE RISING THE UPLIFT WAR It is held throughout the Five Galaxies that the first sapient species - the Progenitors — arose billions of years ago. They bestowed the gift of intelligence upon countless other races, and then mysteriously disappeared into time and space. In their name, Uplift has become a sacred tradition. Over the course of history, innumerable patron species have helped worthy pre-sentients take their place among the starfaring races. In return, the clients are indentured to their patrons for 100,000 years - modest payment for a priceless boon. Unless the patron race is careless, or cruel.