Shalia feels ready for a little fun when the Kalquorian transport docks for shore leave at the Xniktix Space Station. Even knowing there will be hostile aliens also at the station can't kill her enthusiasm for shopping and club-hopping ... and why should she be afraid? She has Kalquorians ready to defend her at a moment's notice, particularly her favorite 'mountain o' muscle' Weapons Commander Nobek Oses. Surely no one would be stupid enough to threaten her with him at her side. Yet it's not the known dangers that put Shalia in peril. Even Oses is no match for the tombstone-smiling monster that stalks her through the space station and plots to add her to its collection.