Two species lived in peaceful coexistence on the planet Demoth until a deadly plague wiped out millions of the winged Ooloms while leaving humans untouched, helpless to do more than ease the suffering of their alien friends & neighbors. Faye Smallwood cared for the victims in her father's hospital. She was there when he discovered the cure, & also when a freak accident killed him. Desperate to escape her past, Faye joins the Vigil, a band of independent monitors charged with rooting out gov't. corruption. Faye becomes the target of unknown assassins in a sinister conspiracy that threatens to unleash a new & more deadly outbreak. She turns for help to Festina Ramos -- explorer, outcast, & champion of those whom society deems expendable.