Newly assigned to the space cruiser Astrella II, captained by the legendary "Hero of the Gorgonian Wars," Richard Hughes, Ensign Corona Scott fears her long-dreamed-of career is about to be deep-sixed She runs afoul of her new CO's volcanic temper, and Med Supervisor Johann Weiner warns her that Astrella's ExO, Malkis of Tartarus, is going to make her life a living Hell. He hates Terran females Rona's ideals are put to the test...