Vanessa Robin looked deeper into her shady past, studying news files of her exploits as a space pirate. Her ex-boss Ravenheart had ordered the news media to restrict access but Vanessa found a way to view the protected archives. Ravenheart and a Doctor Sychs had colluded in an attempt to reform her by cutting out and re-growing whole sections of her brain but as Vanessa became increasingly aware of the person she had been before, she felt more determined to exact retribution on those who had done her harm.

Marshall Brion, owner of Junker's Moon Scrap, Salvage and Servicing Company thought he had seen a ghost when FBIS agent Vanessa Robin came to make an arrest. Months ago, he had seen pirate Vanessa Longtail killed before his eyes, yet now her name was different and she was in the uniform of a law enforcement officer, who not only failed to recognise him, but had no apparent desire to end his life. It was a puzzle Brion felt compelled to solve but he had no idea that the circumstances were at least as troubling to Vanessa herself.

The long range scanner at Junker's Moon Scrap, Salvage and Maintenance Company picks up a ship flying under a notorious tag of convenience. The Lancer, owned by Captain Jack Hacket, lands with only fumes to run on and five hundred refugees on board, twice its registered capacity. When they leave the ship, Hacket's mercenaries enclose the refugees in a stockade. Marshall later learns that Hacket is wanted by the authorities for human trafficking. When two ships carrying Hacket's associates show up inbound at high speed, Marshall is certain that his problems are about to multiply.

Inspector Vanessa Robin and Melanie must accept a gift from Head Office, no matter how unwelcome it is. Days later Vanessa receives a visitor who, as an old foe, is even more unwelcome. On Junker's Moon Lucy and Theodore lose their crops, while a mysterious plant disease threatens the livelihood of the farmers, and consequently the viability of the whole colony.

Inspector Vanessa Robin was tormented by one thing more than anything else from her past: that her ruthless pirate husband was held in a top security jail for his crimes. Until she stood face to face with the man who had led her through years of murder and mayhem, she would never feel truly free. Vanessa's attempt to gain access to the prison's remote location would have deadly repercussions reaching all the way to Junker's Moon.

Junker's Moon Scrap, Salvage and Servicing Company had the dubious honour of being visited by a cult ship, The Garden. The vessel was registered as having charitable status and was therefore beyond FBIS jurisdiction. Its owner, Pastor Gripthorne, held captive more than one hundred female followers. He was on course to cause trouble with a capital 'T'.