When Admiral Hudson storms aboard her freighter searching for contraband, Captain Jess Sondijk's carefully controlled life shatters. His questions fuel suspicions that her husband's death was no accident. He's chasing smugglers who've done the impossible - convinced the mysterious Ptorix aliens to trade their sacred starhearts, the legendary jewels they believe hold their very souls.

But as Jess races to rescue her loved ones and Hudson fights to prevent an interstellar war, their investigations collide in a lethal web of murder, greed, and political treachery. With both their worlds crumbling, they're forced to choose: follow the dangerous pull of their hearts, or pursue the otherworldly starhearts that could destroy everything they hold dear?

In this high-stakes game where every move could trigger catastrophe, the price of victory may be higher than either can bear.