The events on Takalu had changed the Terran Republic forever. The admittance of the Eranian Union into the republic, a civilization that was the equal of the republic in every single conceivable way, is a testament to this fact. However, with great blessings, the universe tends to follow with great misery.

The Zalu superweapon had been uncovered thanks to the efforts of the Calyster and her crew, and when the weapon is deployed against the republic, the crew of the Calyster is quickly called back into service, as the republic finds herself at war with the Zalu Empire. Now retrofitted with the best gear that the republic can cover, the Calyster is sent on a secretive mission, a mission that may prove as eventful and important as the one that led the Calyster to Takalu.