Fifty three years ago during the first incursion by the alien warrior race of the Trills, his betrothed had disappeared.

Finally, as the long and costly conflict that Earth could endure no longer winds to a close and on the eve of a desperately needed peace treaty, he learned of her fate; Grand Admiral Nimitz goes into shock and no one can bring him back!

The plans for the peace treaty are in jeopardy!

An obscure Combat Engineer Captain Fletcher Grey holds the key, but where is he? Thrown out of the navy two years earlier after a Trill had sliced him he has come to terms with his disability and lowly position on Luna as a 'Metal Micky'.

He thinks he is relatively happy, all things considered until 'They' find him.

‘Hope springs eternal’ is an oft said adage. What is not often said is, ‘So does hate’.