Weightless Rose

Evelyn, the Federation’s top singer, accepts a goodwill tour to the frontier—and falls into an insectoid trap. Her ship crashes on waste planet K-17, where Carlisle, the exiled heir of the Wayne family, rescues her. They clash at first, then fight side by side through swarm attacks, a mine collapse, and a fake-rescue ambush. Carlisle discovers Evelyn’s pheromones are the only force that soothes his genetic agitation. Evelyn learns from her mother’s necklace that she is the last royal descendant of the old dynasty—and the necklace is the key to its defense system. Back on the main planet, they stage a fake engagement with Adrian to expose the Kelwen family, long infiltrated by insectoids wearing human skin. Patriarch Augustus is the insect mother’s host. The insectoids launch the “Homing Plan.” Carlisle leads the Wayne fleet; Evelyn reactivates the old defense system. Together they repel the swarm. At the victory celebration, Augustus accuses Wayne of collusion; they turn the tables and publicly slay the insect mother. Afterward, Carlisle’s succession is restored; Evelyn declines to restore the monarchy; the two finally confirm their love.