Ryan thought his second summer on Europa would be easier. He was wrong!

The alien-run camp has grown fast-too fast. After last year's invasion scare, the military presence has doubled, the security tightened, and strange newcomers (both human and robot) keep arriving. But in a place where "weird" is the norm, even stranger things are happening.

Ryan, a present-day high schooler turned reluctant interplanetary traveler, has grown comfortable among the aliens-especially one, Taanna. She's smart, brave, and, unfortunately, always too busy to spend much time with him. Maybe it's just her parents. Maybe not.

Then Ryan is attacked-before he even leaves Earth! Apparently rumors of a possible ransom are still out there. Once he finally reaches the camp, nothing feels safe. When even his friends are threatened, it is time to act.

To protect those he cares about, Ryan will have to face pirates on their own turf, and if he lives, figure out how to find his way home.