As Skinner languishes in a detention center for something that he did not commit, Shane worries about him as well as about his own fortunes regarding women. More and more of them throw themselves at him. Meanwhile, as he has fun becoming acquainted with the city of Abrasol, he sips the sour brew of what it means to be a shadow operative and covert warrior. Then he receives the news that someone in the detention center attempted to murder Skinner. His twin's prognosis is bad at first. A bigger problem is that, even if he recovers, his life will remain in danger. After a daring escape plan finally liberates Skinner, his fortunes concerning women continue causing him grief. Envious of Shane's good luck, he begins to hate him. His foul attitude causes trouble. Zargus implements a drastic strategy. It seems to work. Yet the rift between Skinner and Shane remains wide. In the meantime, Shane keeps his opinion to himself, while Zargus enrolls him in an academy to train to serve as an operative and covert warrior. He and Skinner wonder what Zargus is up to in their regard. Zargus dangles lovely enticements before them, such as the promise to make them rock stars. Only time will tell if his promises prove to be as pretty as they sound....