For Guardsman Alejandro Detweiler, resident of the Saturn System, life is good. Despite his youth, he has recently solved a major criminal case, and at the same time has won an appointment to the prestigious Guard Academy. On completion of his studies, he will be promoted to an officer’s rank, a vital step in the achievement of his lifelong dream of commanding a ship of the Guard. In addition, he earns the gratitude of Abrianna Wright, the spice merchant’s enchanting daughter, by freeing her from an extortionist’s grasp.

Unfortunately for Al, his success with Abrianna has brought the unwelcome attention of underworld leader Paget Reid, and with it, a set of urgent warnings from the administrators of the Academy to avoid further contact. Al attempts to comply with his supervisors’ demands, but Reid forces a confrontation that Al narrowly escapes.

Shortly after, Al and Abrianna, and his classmates at the Academy, are set upon by a gang of miners in a late-night brawl. Scattering throughout their underground community, Al and his friends eventually return to their homes, but one of the miners does not. He is found later, dead in a city street.

Interrogated by the local police, Al and Abrianna must respond. Could the killer be Al’s classmate, the patrician Jalil Morrison? Could it be the lovers Dorrin Kappler and Kalisa Butler? Could it be Al himself? Or even, Abrianna? Investigating further, Al and Abrianna follow the victim’s blood-stained trail, and Al learns that he must question everything, including his relationship with the girl he loves . . .