The Jovayan have kidnapped Pharaoh Farrow's friend, Myra Gregorson. That was a mistake. In exchange for her life they demand that he rescue one of their people from Galtero Max, a heavily guarded prison planet with a reputation for no escapes. That was their second mistake. Pharaoh has no choice but to agree. Posing as one of the prisoners he begins to hunt for the Jovayan who could be anywhere on the continent. But, as he fights off the planet's deadly native life, negotiates with equally dangerous prisoners, and learns more about the one he's hunting, Pharaoh begins to wonder who this Jovayan really is and why his people are willing to risk so much, even war, to get him free. The Jovayan's third mistake was underestimating Pharaoh; he may just give them exactly what they want.