It is one thousand years after the Exodus from Earth and the rebirth of civilization among the stars. The Republic is sandwiched between the vengeful Joinder, a genetically mutated collectivist faction of humans, and the Alcari, the desperately nomadic reptilian invaders who are fleeing the deadly Dark Plague that forces them to continuously acquire new territory and relocate. Matt Becker is thrust into command of the carrier Brisbane when his captain is killed, while rebel movements within the Joinder and Alcari fight their oppressive governments and seek to make peace with the Republic before it falls. With only the loyalty of his crew to rely on, Becker must risk losing his friends, his marriage, his ship, and his career in a daring plot to destroy an Alcari superweapon and save humanity from destruction.