Global warming has long since forced humanity to expand out into the universe, colonize other planets and encounter other sentient space-faring species, some benign, some hostile.

This also brought the discovery of Space Witches - beings capable of controlling technology and energy with their minds. Due to an accident Tabea becomes the first human with such abilities which, though she keeps them secret, paints a target on her back.

After a pirate attack, Tabea is separated from her ship and crew, finding herself instead in the custody of the Penyales-a species known to be hostile toward humans. But against all expectations, they ask for Tabea's help, offering in return to find Tabea's friends.

They can't lie-but can they be trusted?