Moon De Cruz hasn't had an easy life. Born a slave, she's stationed aboard a Bramalian trader ship for twenty years. Miraculously, she survives a pirate attack and flees in an escape pod. As she crashes onto an uninhabited planet, she learns to become one with nature. Four years later, Captain Beaux Lestarion is orbiting a virgin planet that appears rich in natural resources. She shuttles miners to the surface, but unexpected complications suggest someone is deliberately sabotaging their efforts to probe for stones, ores, and minerals. When Moon saves Beaux's life, Beaux is drawn to the beautiful young woman against her better judgment. Moon doubts a seasoned and cynical captain working for the government can help to defend the planet--no matter how attractive she might be. Reluctant allies or secret enemies--can love survive the challenge?