Jaqi, Arazar and Zaragathora are on the run from everyone - the Resistance, the remnants of the Empire, the suits, and right now from the Matakas - and the Matakas are the most pressing concern because the insectoid aliens have the drop on them. The Resistance has a big reward out for Arazar and the human children he and Jaqi are protecting. But Arazar has something to offer the mercenary aliens. He knows how to get to a huge supply of pure oxygen cells, something in short supply in the formerly human Empire, and that might be enough to buy their freedom. Arazar knows where it is, and Jaqi can take them there. With the Matakas as troops, they can take Shadow Sun Seven, on the edge of the Dark Zone.