Hughy Terson, midshipman aboard the commerce raider Aquila, has charge of the prize crew aboard the captured passenger liner Princess. He's an outlaw in the eyes of the Oligarchy, but the Confederation was merely the first to revolt in an inevitable process of trade liberalization. Getting Aquila to a safe haven is challenge enough. The beautiful and enigmatic Griffa Kathria Marte is another problem. Only a fool would trust her, or fall under her spell. A short and gripping space opera of the not-too-distant future.