In this explosive follow up to the Hand of God, the crew of the USS Defiancé find themselves on the edge of UPA space, cut off from any assistance, floating helplessly among the stars. Across the ship, systems are failing. Repairs could take days, maybe even weeks, but with limited life support, the crew only has hours. While the ship threatens to come apart around them, Lieutenant Nax is slowly going mad, haunted by the ghost of his dead lover. Tactical Officer Cayden Keane lies in critical condition, barely clinging to life after suffering at the hands of the Unity. Trapped in what appears to be a no-win scenario, the crew of the Defiancé turns to their captain. Except Captain Gavin Mitchell is missing. He’s not on the ship. He’s not in their sector. Gavin Mitchell isn’t even in their universe anymore.