Another Turn, and the deadly silver Thread continues to fall. So the bold dragon riders take to the air once more and their magnificent flying dragons swirl and swoop, breathing flames that destroy the shirrunering strands before they reach the ground. But Weyrleader F'laz, knows he must find a better way to protect his beloved Pern before the rebellious Oldtimers can breed any more dissent . .. before his brother F'nor is foolhardy enougii to launch another suicide mission ... and before those dratted fire-lizards can stir up any more disastrous trouble . . .