The Eureka Maru has been impounded for non-payment of bills. Captain Beka Valentine and her crew daringly liberate the ship, and soon get a chance for a big score: pick up a Nietzschean Princess Catherine, pregnant with a child who might be heir to the Nietzschean throne. Surviving betrayal and vicious attack ships, the Maru must bring the princess to safety before the child is delivered. Along the way, they gain a mysterious new crewmember.

Unknown to them Nietzchean warrior, Tyr Anasazi, is on a mission to restore the glory of his people. To raise money for an army, he's accepted an offer to salvage a High Guard ship that's been stuck -- for 300 years -- in a black hole. The money would be fabulous, but he needs a ship and crew. The Eureka Maru fits the bill.