Continuing his quest to wash dishes on every inhabited colony in the solar system, Javelin Praecox heads for Venus. There, a small scientific expedition to study weather and extremophile bacteria has encountered the unexpected-a new alien species The mushroom-shaped Venusians come in a variety of colors and sexes, speak a strange pidgin English, love blueberry pancakes and pickled eggs, and make a magic elixir called lime wine. These new creatures also present several mysteries. Where did they come from? How did they evolve? Why are some crew members collecting their mucous-like secretions? And what can Javy-or the tiny, innocent Venusians-do against the gangsters invading the outpost? Once again, a simple dishing gig turns out to be more dangerous, more exciting, and more strange than Javy bargained for.