The D'Angelo family is scattered: Brando and Antonio are locked away in a military prison. Miwa and Shalura have abandoned their homeworld and now must face life in a society that neither fully understands. Teri works feverishly in secret to elevate the Native Teregans, certain that dark times are close at hand. Rhea finds herself raising a son bereft of his father. Meanwhile, the isolationists begin to gain control of the Consortium. The military is pulled back and reduced in size. Megin Eypril clings to secrets that would terrify humanity, intent on any compromise that will allow her to keep her people safe. But Samanei Kuroda has been rescued from her long years in exile, and she begins to exact a cruel, implacable revenge.