Released from a criminal psychiatric unit on the planet Kalquor, Joseph Walker starts his life over with the fierce Nobek who scares and entices him in equal measure. Coming from a society where same-sex attraction was punished by death, Joseph finds openly loving another man filled with its share of obstacles. He and Almon are committed to each other, but is it enough? Making matters worse, Almon is not the only Kalquorian enthralled with Joseph. The Earther's other would-be suitor is determined to go through Almon to get what he wants. He will stop at nothing to take Joseph from Almon…even kill.