While on their way to the Abh capital to bring Jinto Lin to his military training, the captain and crew of the patrol ship Gosroth detect the presence of warships that they suspect belong to the United Mankind, an enemy opposed to Abh control of the universe.
Jinto and Lafiel, as noncombatants, are ordered off the Gosroth by Captain Lexshue, but not before the Abh princess is severely reprimanded for questioning those instructions. Lafiel would rather stay and fight, but Lexshue -- realizing the future importance of her stubborn protegee -- will hear nothing of it.
The mood aboard Jinto and Lafiel's escape vessel is a somber one, as she laments her uselessness to the mission. Jinto does his best to cheer her up, but his efforts are futile. Still, Lafiel is better off exactly where she is, as the Gosroth, after attempting to escape, is finally caught by the United Mankind forces.
Will they manage to escape? Lafiel certainly hopes so, because she has a unique relationship with the ship's
