The emperor sends Hiro and his crew to the Empire's border with the Belbellum Federation. There, Hiro quickly discovers how tough it is to get along with Count Ixamal, the local imperial authority. That's not the only unpleasant surprise: Before long, Hiro attempts to destroy some space pirates who turn out to have equipment way more powerful than he counted on! Even attending a party isn't safe under these circumstances, as Hiro learns when he and Serena are kidnapped from one of the count's soirees. Hiro's not exactly unarmed, given his psionic powers, but he's nowhere near mastering said powers yet... Will he really be able to free Serena and himself?!