The galaxy is at peace. The Szuiltans no longer exist, The Reagold Corporation has been dissolved, and Steve Drake, space trader and veteran of The Szuiltan War, is bored. But, as New Szuilta builds on the ashes of the old, a last, desperate experiment by the Szuiltans is secretly reaching maturity. Before long, Steve, Ursa, Martin, and others will find themselves drawn, once again, to the frontline in a battle against an enemy they thought they had already defeated.