Aboard the star vessel Sunlace, Dr. Cherijo Torin and her husban have found refuge from the Hsktskt, the League, and her half-mad creator. Now they intend to find Cherijo's foster mother--and the truth behind the subliminal messages she left in Cherijo's brain.

But first they have some promises to keep--promises that put them in the middle of an interstellar war. Everything Cherijo ever fought for is put on the line--including her solemn oath to protect life...