Maura is the best pilot for experimental small craft that the Alliance has seen in decades. When a research treaty allows a representative from Nyal space to participate, she has a fight on her hands. Alzor is the best his species has to offer and that is saying something. His tail does not impede his ability to fly a ship, shuttle, or fighting craft. When Maura's craft becomes stranded in a test flight, the giant kitty comes to get her. His craft has a difficulty and they are forced onto a hospitable world. Now that they are on equal footing, Alzor has only to defend himself against her viper tongue for two days when a shuttle will be able to retrieve them. His ways of keeping her mouth busy become quite inventive.