Despoilers of the Golden Empire

"Despoilers of the Golden Empire" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction story centered around a future empire hungry for gold. Commander Frank leads a space mission to a newly found planet to mine for gold. The planet is home to a society that has Great Nobles and are very organized. The story revolves around the moral issues of power and civilization, also exploring the battles with people native to the planet, leadership, staying together in tough times, and not expecting the unexpected results of their mission. The story shows what happens when people from different populations meet, and the cost it has on all persons involved.