Kipexo and Ethan have freed hundreds of enslaved humans from the Raugon homeworld. Kipexo is determined to deliver them all safely back to Earth, but the ship they're on is failing and they lack the proper supplies for the trip. On the way to a nearby planet to make repairs and restock, they're intercepted by Kipexo's lifelong enemies: the Lifreet. To Kipexo's surprise, the Lifreet aren't interested in starting a fight or taking prisoners. Instead, they ask Kipexo for a favor that changes everything he thought he knew about this other alien race and their war with his people.

In exchange for Kipexo's help, the Lifreet offer not only safe passage back to Earth for the escaped humans but a way for Kipexo and Ethan to be together for centuries to come. For a future with Ethan, and for the safety of the other humans relying on him, Kipexo would agree to just about anything. But can he trust the Lifreet to keep their promises? Can he let go of past grudges enough to keep his own?