The Sandradene and her crew have survived their violent encounter with the T`ik. After losing the ship's Evolved AI and nearly half the crew are returning home. Laira, knowing her actions in space will adversely affect the lives of the T`k`taimoni people of Joro, is planning on building a fleet of Sandradenes and returning to defend her new alleys. To do this, sacrifices will have to be made. Loved ones will have to be left behind and hidden truths will be revealed. And new dangers, not just to the natives of Joro, but to Earth itself will be revealed. Laira with the power of Evolved AIs like System will develop a fleet and planetary defense to hopefully protect Earth and Joro. But no plan survives contact and more unknowns will change the rules of the game.