Paradox Planet — Steven Spruill

Kane and Pendrake: Space Detectives... Elias Kane: ex-member of the Space Navy, gambler, private eye, he's the consummate - though unwilling - hero to billions of citizens on dozens of worlds. Now Briana, the new Imperator, sends him on a dangerous mission to the colony planet of Cassiodorus, where three imperial inspectors have already disappeared while inspecting the planet's vital beta-steel mines.

Once there, Kane and his resourceful ally, the giant Cephantine named Pendrake, become the targets of ruthless rebel assassins. And what they discover about the powerful, unfriendly inhabitants of the alien frontier world is more deadly than mere murder - but could mean the destruction of Earth itself!