A generation ago, Alex's father discovered it: Bhuam, the planet of waterfalls, gold, and the native Timeni people. Now it's her turn to make history there. But when the United Militia ship enters into orbit, Alex quickly discovers that this operation isn't a research mission at all. When she manages to finesse her way out of the military camp, Alex crosses paths with Pasha, an exiled Timeni with a murderous record. And it seems that their true missions - and fates - just might depend on each other.