Carpe Diem continues the story of the two characters introduced in Agent of Change, Liaden Scount Val Con yos'Phelium and mercenary sergeant Miri Robertson. On the run from interplanetary assassins, the pair wind up stranded on a backwater planet. Fascinating by-play of ethics and the quirks of 'normal' human behavior add spice and twists to an already-engaging plot, as other members of Val Con's family get involved in the happenings.