The Earth has had another reprieve from alien domination. A daring desert resistance raid has reclaimed three key human prisoners - marked for conversion or death aboard the Mother Ship -from Commander Diana and her security chief, Lydia. The furious Diana blames Lydia, who plans a terrible vengeance; she will spin a diabolical web to snare Diana's power - and trap her most hated enemies: Resistance heroes Mike Donovan and Ham Tyler. Meanwhile, the resistance has troubles of its own. Trusted friends may be collaborating with the alien enemy. Every smile may hide a secret, as the fate of every living soul in Los Angeles turns on the violent outcome of plot and counterplot, disguise and deception... Prisoners and Pawns.