Not far away in space, the fate of people on seven planets rests on the shoulders of the Consuls of the Near-Star Forum. And when the Consuls need help, they call Rayk Hazen. In this story, Consul Clay wants Jan to get her pilot permit, but Rayk does not want to be her teacher. Then they are caught by space pirates! Now the two of them will have to work with each other to get free.

Each book in this easy-reading series consists of one story that features the most common 500 words in the English language. Each of the five stories are meant to subtly reinforce commonly used vocabulary through single plot stories that feature natural dialogue. Their mature look makes them ideal for use as reading practice for struggling readers ages 9 to 16 and up.