In the wake of the events of Star Trek: Titan, in Book One: Taking Wings, relations between the Federation, The Klingon Empire and the Romulans remain fragile. Refugees are requesting asylum within the Federation, requiring delicate negotiations whose outcome could prove as deadly as any starship combat. As public opinion about the continued tenability of the Federation/Klingon alliance goes south, Federation councillors unhappy with the solution brokered by Captain. Will Riker in Titan begin power plays of their own against the fledgling Bacco administration.