Nadya, hosting an intelligent parasite, is now an experienced naval officer with two battles against the Raider's cruiser packs. But she continues to be seen as an alien, generating disgust, fear, raw hate, and attempts on her life. To add to her problems, the Raiders have identified her as contributing directly to their bad luck and have designated her a dybbuk—demon—and have set a price on her dead or alive. With the Raiders a potential threat to the SAS, life has become a little too interesting.

**

With invading aliens determined to confine humans to their planets, one thing is certain: the Aliens' force is technologically superior to the SAS, and even with the new Riss technology the clans have developed under Nadya Reese's supervision, the SAS cannot defeat them alone.

But forging an alliance between the SAS, UFN, and JPU will not be easy. It will require the empires to put aside their long history of border wars and mutual dislike. Worse, many in the SAS hate Riss-humans, especially Nadya. As a consequence, maintaining the Mutual Support Agreement between the Riss and the SAS is proving impossible. And then there is the issue of sharing technology with recent enemies, the question of leadership, and Nadya's involvement. The JPU only recently had bounties on Riss-humans, and Riss hides are prized in the UFN and JPU.

Nadya's not so sure the Alien's idea of confining the war-like humans to their planets isn't a good idea. But the fate of the Riss is tied to the humans, so whatever her doubts, she must act.

A young girl dreams of seeing the stars and meeting aliens. Her chance comes in the form of a project offering a college education, commissioning in the SAS Fleet, and a partnership with an alien. She successfully qualifies and wins one of the coveted ten positions. Of course everything comes with a price—the alien is a parasite that inhabits the body and mind, and is there for life.

Is it a dream or nightmare come true—or maybe both?