Francisco, one of three illusionists hired to entertain the guests on an air yacht for a party thrown by Quartermaster Supreme Barcodamus de Medici, mills about before his act, his identity concealed by his magician's costume. He tries to find out "dirt" on Eustace do Varr, the spoiled rich poodle who "flushed" him in the Rephidim Sewers some time ago.

Francisco is confronted by Eustace's older sister, Candice, who mistakes the mage for a possible prospect (not knowing that he's a fox and not a poodle), but Francisco distracts her by making use of a sphere with a contained spell that creates a musical, dazzling display.

Terrorists interrupt the party, attacking the guards and trying to take the guests as hostages. Francisco and Eustace are singled out to "walk the plank", and Francisco makes use of the magic spheres again to escape a sticky situation. When the smoke clears, he has "rescued" Eustace, and a Nagai ship has defeated the terrorists, taking a suspect – Zorah (aka Long-Lope) – into custody.