In the thrilling conclusion to the Alien Cadet series, the girl-turned-computer Akemi is trapped at Faal's secure planetary estate, helpless to escape no matter what he may require of her. Faal is preoccupied with his plan to implement a sanctioned genocide, but he still finds time to torment Akemi. Akemi's sister, Nat, along with Claire, Basher, and Sam, are each determined to rescue Akemi, and if possible, to halt the extermination. But to defeat Faal, they must find allies among his other enemies, who are at least as dangerous as he is. While Sam and Nat lure Faal to an ancient palace with these dubious helpers, Basher and Claire plan to infiltrate his estate to retrieve Akemi. But there are few game players as accomplished as Faal, and he always seems one step ahead... to win against him, sacrifices must be made.