When riots erupt on planet Torid, the crew of <i>Defcon Red</i> is tasked with quelling the violence and tending the injured. Even Alien Research Specialist Jessa Brick is pressed into service. Arguably more comfortable in her lab, the doctor is shocked at the obvious inequality on Torid. She vows to help every citizen, rich or poor, even if it runs counter to the colony governor’s wishes…and means working closely with a certain grumpy alien.<br><br>Veslor medic Maith has long been annoyed by the prickly Dr. Brick and her repeated attempts to study his race like lab rats. But working together on Torid shows him a different side of Jessa. The closer they become, the more his admiration and attraction grows…especially when he’s ordered to keep Jessa safe. That means they must stay together every minute during the mission.<br><br>As danger closes in, it’s not just duty that drives Maith to protect Jessa. Primal Veslor instincts are impossible to deny.