A strange first contact on a distant planet might provide a vital clue to Arcan's past, but it can't quite cure Grace of her feelings of guilt after the battle for Kwaide. When they arrive on Xiantha, they find a stunning planet: hot, sunny and full of colour. For the first time they can start to relax and enjoy a holiday ... at least, until the independent Diva is forced to swallow her pride and beg Six to help her out on a very personal matter. His decision will change her future. Meanwhile, Atheron is grimly determined that nothing is going to stop him this time. He is planning to bait a trap which will cause the total destruction of the orthogel entity... And not all of them can come out of this unscathed. What happens on Xiantha will impact their lives forever.