Ximon and the unique crew of the scout ship Mantis continue their adventures. They’re working their way home after coming out of hyperspace far from their destination. They suffer a serious breakdown and need parts to fix it. So, they seek out some unknown aliens operating in the moons of the gas giant. The crew must avoid conflict, find a way to communicate, and try to trade for what they need. They also have to safely navigate a risky meeting with the Queen.

The Queen is the third of the Mantis Short adventures – stories that fit between the main books of the Mantis Saga.