Computer scientist Althea is ruled by her analytical mind, and aboard the military spacecraft Ananke, her most powerful bond is not with fellow crewmates but with the ship's electronic systems. When Ananke and its mission are threatened by a pair of fugitive terrorits, Althea must defend her beloved ship. The saboteur who is captured - the enigmatic Ivan - may prove to be more dangerous. The silver-tongued criminal has long evaded the authorities' most relentless surveillance while keeping the truth about his motives well hidden. Now, as the ship's systems malfunction and distrust grows among the crew, Althea must penetrate the prisoner's layers of intrigue and deception before all is lost. But when Ivan's true intentions are exposed, it will change Althea forever - if it doesn't kill her first." -- Back cover.