Fourth Enthralling Book in the EPPIE Nominated Space Adventure Saga! In old Mexico the gods were real, or so it was believed ... and they left a terrible heritage. Working on a remote dig, archaeologist Lauren Hopkins discovers an extraterrestrial craft (a lost scout ship belonging to the Serrl Combine) buried in an ancient Mayan pyramid. Her career is made, but the knowledge throws Earth into social, religious and political turmoil. Instead of being a boon to mankind, the discovery triggers a global confrontation. The country which can seize and control the alien technology can control the world. As a member of a UN scientific team studying the saucer, Lauren is drawn into a romantic encounter from which she has no intention of extricating herself. Bill Faroway has filled something within her that has been empty for too long. Meanwhile, across the galaxy the Serrll Combine, dismayed that one of their old scoutships has been discovered, knows that it must act quickly to avert open warfare on Earth. Newly promoted First Scout Terrllss-rr, walking in the shadow of Death, and in his first mission as a Diplomatic Branch agent, is sent to destroy the craft and avert a global catastrophe. It should have been a simple mission, but Terr did not count on Lauren and Bill being in the ship when he planted the charges. About to make his escape, Terr and Lauren are shot by patrolling guards. Without expert medical treatment, Lauren will die. Faced with a cruel choice, Dharaklin ignores regulations and brings everyone to the Moon, where Terr faces disciplinary. And don't miss the other books in this exciting science fantasy saga: Against the Gods of Shadow, With Shadow and Thunder (2002 EPPIE Award finalist), and Through the Valley of Shadow.