The tense standoff begins. The Indomitable has returned to Earth, but suffered damage during the journey from the asteroid belt. The last ship of the Syndicate fleet is vulnerable, and hiding that fact. Erik Frost and the Vagabond crew are anxious to press the attack, but without the support of larger ships they can't hope to stand up to the devastating firepower of the cruiser. A new reactor technology could be the answer, along with messages that reveal another hope still exists. On Earth, the war continues to escalate and few eyes are on the ships above as other forces are on the move.