In a daring quest for exotic gems, the space trader Solar Queen arrives on the mysterious planet of Sargol, only to discover that the ruthless Inter-Solar Company has beaten them there. Quickly adapting to the culture of Sargol‚As feline inhabitants, the crew of the Queen manages to outmaneuver their competitors and secure a lucrative deal with the natives. However, their triumph is short-lived, as a deadly plague strikes the crew shortly after takeoff, leaving them banned from landing on any inhabited planet. Will they find a way to save themselves, or will they be doomed to drift endlessly through the void of space? (Summary by Mark Nelson)