Courtier Asha had a history of settling differences with duels, archaic as the practice was in the New Gallian Empire. Her bionic implants and fibre-mesh skin reinforcement served her well. So when she discovered that her current amour, Mertin, had been imprisoned by Prince Jean of Gallus' 4th moon, the solution seemed obvious. Challenge him and force him to relinquish Mertin. Unfortunately, while Prince Jean was quick to allow her the choice of weaponry, she should have given more thought to his choice of location... or the fact that, among the small party entering the tentacle hives, she was the only fertile womb for a mile around.