On the planet Donovan, resources are dwindling, technology failing. Supervisor Kalico Aguila has bet everything on a fragile settlement far south of Port Authority, carving a farm and mine out of wilderness. Then a murderous peril descends out of Donovan's sky-- one that will leave Kalico bleeding and shattered. Talina Perez gambled her life and reputation in a bid to atone for ruthlessly murdering a woman's husband years ago; ironically, saving Dya Simonov may save them all. Lieutenant Deb Spiro is losing it, and by killing a little girl's pet alien, she may have precipitated disaster for all. Now the only hope lies with a "lost" colony, and the alien-infested reflexes possessed by Security Officer Talina Perez. -- adapted from jacket.