Daav yos'Phelium, Delm Korval, must marry to provide his Clan with a child. Although he is arguably the most eligible bachelor in Liaden-speaking space he is hardly the most willing, having long been the target of marriage-minded females (as well as their power-seeking mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles).

A political and economic power among the High Houses, Daav, a former Scout Captain, is also a force among pilots, and is much more likely to be found in a spaceport piloting 'dive' than mingling with society at the parties of the rich.

One such 'dive' is Binjali Spaceship Repair Shop in Solcintra Mid-Port; it's a base away from home to a shifting population of Scouts, pilots, and various 'wounded kittens.' There, Daav is known only by his first name, and relies on his reputation as pilot extraordinaire rather than on Korval's power.

Retreating to Binjali's to come to terms with his decision to contract-wed, Daav comes face to face with the knottiest problem of his career. If he doesn't find the correct solution, he may lose his fortune entire, and his future.