As the Avalon Expedition departs the Tantalus Cluster for an extra-galactic nebula in search of resources, the crew of the Guinevere discover a mysterious new threat.
Cass and Elizabeth must rely on each other to survive on a mysterious planet whose surface has been scorched to glass by the formation of a nearby pulsar.
After months of surviving the dangerous nebula without military protection, the careful status quo built by the Avalon Expedition is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Vice Admiral Redfield.
Uncovering a force of Frontier Union vessels hiding in the nebula, the Avalon Expedition offers assistance, but the Unioners have an agenda of their own.
In a daring raid on a strange and alien installation, Admiral Redfield and the crew of the Guinevere attempt to retake their stolen Gatehauler from the clutches of the Advari.