For three hundred years, the Republic has outlawed genetic engineering and its associated technologies. Nearly a decade ago, Oryelle (Ori) Tey, an engineered, enhanced super soldier, was found in the remains of a warship, drifting at the edge of Republic space. From the webs and tunnels of Xia, Ori is sent to the Republic, a humanoid civilisation still wracked by the aftershocks of the Great War. Condemned to perpetual imprisonment, torture, and under constant threat of execution, Ori is the Republic's most dangerous secret. For Tel Rossim, Lord President of the Republic, Ori is everything he has fought against. An Abomination that should have been executed years ago. For Jak Reinnor, newly appointed Xi Liaison, Ori represents an opportunity to release the Republic from Xi control, if he can master his crippling phobia. But for Ori, a final and unexpected chance at freedom may present her greatest challenge yet -- learning to get along with the crew of the freighter Avadora.