Another war looms. That appears to be the cycle the fleets of Earth have fallen into since breaking free of the Solar System six years earlier. Is it the nature of Terrans, or is it the nature of those they meet? This and related questions will weigh heavily upon humanity's future.
A significant change is forced upon Emma following a personal and short-lived rebellion. As a result, she is directed toward the Kochpotat, an enigmatic race that has had little contact with the other races of the Union.
Abandoned by Space Command and the scientific community, Niko struggles to find a new purpose. What eventually comes is unexpected and only adds to her misery.
Abby’s team draws closer to the truths it has sought since Groombridge. What they discover turns out to be more ominous than any of them could have guessed.
Naomi is thrown into harm's way, in no small part, due to Emma’s rebellion. Soon, she is surrounded by desperate people who have lost all hope. With her arrival, that hope is rekindled. With time working against her and the platoon, few could predict the turn of events that would complicate their operation.