Eight months have passed since the Star Shroud barrier was engaged to protect the Earth, but it won't last, and humanity is scrambling to build a fleet. Cut off from home, the crew of the Athena has taken refuge on the Boxan colony world, a last safe haven for the creators of the Star Shroud. When Kaylan forms a psychic link to a mysterious Boxan soldier fighting gruesome battles on a dying world she has to act even if the Boxans refuse.