When an attempt to hack into the humans' computers goes awry, a Morthren technician (Kemo) is scarred both physically and mentally by the experience. Facing execution, he flees and takes over the identity of the human hacker he killed.

Warring factions (including the Blackwood team and the Morthren) fight over a med cell that could save countless lives--including that of a dying Mana.

The aliens use subliminal messages and a clone of a popular motivational speaker to control the minds of the rich and powerful. Kincaid and the rest of the team get involed when an old friend of Kincaid's is drawn into the lethal scheme.

Debi is forced to fight an alien warrior in a duel to the death.

Continuing Morthren losses force a maddened Malzor to take a drastic step: the release of a spore which will cause the death of every native organism on Earth.