As interstellar war rages, the President of the Confederacy is captured by the Ramanthian enemy. But the aliens don't realize the prize they have taken, since, at the suggestion of young diplomat Christine Vanderveen, all the captives have agreed to hide his identity. Then the prisoners are taken to a brutal slave labor camp-and Vanderveen is concerned that there may be some among them tempted to reveal the ruse. Determined to protect the President, she must face down opposition, both alien and human, all the while hoping for rescue. And rescue is on the way-an unauthorized effort, organized by General Bill Booly, manned by a team of volunteers with nothing to lose-and headed by Captain Antonio Santana, Vanderveen's former lover, who must try to set aside his personal feelings for the sake of the mission. . .