Susan Mallery, the Ambassador of Earth, deals with disputes, some big and some small, but all treated equally. She’s on her way to such an assignment when suddenly the ship she's onboard is attacked. As Susan attempts to save her body guard, she's shot. When she wakes, she finds herself being sold off to a Vrak'rir. Does he mean her harm, or does he want to capture more than just her influence over Earth's government?

Rylnuhn saw her once a long time ago and knows she has no memory of him. His employers want to know what information she holds about the human defenses. The Sri’thaens aren’t a species to double-cross. If he can't get the information out of her, they will, and they won't be gentle. Does he go against the contract with the Sri’thaens and face their possible wrath, or force the information out of her?