Humanity has spread out among the stars thanks to a twenty-second century power system. Daily life is as it has always been. People have jobs, families go on vacations; there are terrorists and criminals, and the Fleet Police to maintain law and order. Lieutenant Commander Alexandria Novastra is given the task to determine if legends about a powerful device that is supposed to guide humanity and civilization are merely myth or based on some reality. Much to her surprise, she learns the legends are based in truth. It is only then she learns the device is addictive. She realizes she cannot turn this device over to her commanders. Military minds and all consuming, potentially destructive powers do not make a good match. She reluctantly accepts her need to drop out of the system to protect the device and humanity. To do that she enlists the aid of a crafty ex-con.