Smith has been shot and is fighting for his life, leaving the crew temporarily under the command of his first mate, Snake. Snake struggles to hold the crew together while dealing with secrets revealed by the former captain of the Annihilator, Captain Jackson; a young native girl from the New World; and the betrothal of Prince Richard to a mysterious female soldier with secrets of her own. Things go from bad to worse after their good friend, Dr. Conal, is attacked in his home, resulting in a confrontation between Snake and the country's newest general, General Alex Ashley. Blossoming romances, Irish stowaways, and a plot to overthrow the Kirkston government-can Snake pull the crew together, or will Smith awaken to his team in turmoil? Nothing Snake faces can compare to what awaits Smith-a world in which one of his crewmembers intends to leave the Black Dragon forever.