Third-gender operative Dal? Tamareia thought their life as an ambassador ended when they joined a galactic intelligence agency. When they're yanked out of the field and tapped to negotiate the surrender of deadly bio-engineered warriors who crashed into hostile territory, Dal? is thrust headfirst back into the tumultuous world of galactic diplomacy.Dal? has faced Shontavians before, but not like these. The stranded mercenaries are highly intelligent and have an agenda of their own. Dal? can't afford to be distracted from the negotiations by their own demons or the presence of a charming diplomat with a mysterious past.As a brewing civil war threatens to derail the entire mission, Dal? must use all their skills to bring this dangerous situation to a peaceful end-but the Shontavians may not be the biggest monsters at the table. Someone is determined to see Dal? and their team dead before they discover the brutal truth hidden in the wreckage.