Moya arrives at a planet where the people test their genetic compatibility by kissing. Crichton kisses a princess, who is next in line for the throne, and discovers that his DNA is a perfect match for her. He must now marry her and they will rule together. This is against the wishes of her brother, who is second in line for the throne -- conspiring with a Scarran.

Now married, Crichton and Katralla are frozen into living statues so that they may watch over the presiding governments of the next eighty cycles. Immediately, Clavor and the Scarran emissary attempt another assassination and succeed in removing Crichton's head. Empress Novia threatens to kill all off-worlders, putting D'Argo, Chiana and Rygel in danger. Finding Crichton's head is now a matter of life or death.