It's 2096, Earth is relatively new to the intragalactic game, and 18-year-old Earthen Hugh MacGivens thinks he's going to spend a few months on a distant world with his ambassador parents. Instead, he steps onto the planet to find he's Earth's selection for solidifying an alliance with the genderless people of Figor—by mating with a local.

Trend a'Bahn is ready for xys life to begin. Xe wants to gain an apprenticeship to a master builder and find xys mate in claiming season. Never would xe have expected an attraction to an offworlder.

While the two navigate claiming season, an undercurrent in Figor emerges. They don't like anything non-Figorian and they hate what Hugh represents. As peaceful as Figorians are, a fire has been lit. If their beloved Empeer won't stop such a mating from occurring, they will take care of it themselves.

Hugh came to Figor for a few months and possibly the rest of his life. If they have their say, his life ends now.