The solar system is stuck in a decades long cold war between the two major powers on Earth. Luna is torn between two allegiances, with each superpower controlling a dome on the home world's moon. In the asteroid belt, six mining colonies govern themselves. In the midst of it all is the Transport Guild. Erik Frost is the captain of a guild freighter. He took command when his father died four years ago, left with large debts and a rattling old ship badly in need of an overhaul. When he is offered a mysterious job with few details and a high payout, he can't resist the opportunity it represents. He and his crew head deep into the system for the asteroid belt to deliver their cargo, unprepared for the dangers they would soon face. They say some things are too good to be true, and this job could be one of them.

After a two decade long cold war, a new threat arises. Erik Frost, captain of the freighter Vagabond, and his crew have stumbled upon the construction of a massive Syndicate warship deep in the asteroid field. After a daring escape, he sent a warning across the system to let Earth and the colonies know what was coming. With the Indomitable on a steady advance toward the inner system and Earth, the Coalition government must decide how best to protect themselves from the biggest threat the solar system has ever seen. But then a bombing on Earth forces the people to question which threat is greater, the ship several months away or the killers in their midst. Will war between the two superpowers tear the system apart, or will strife from within do more damage than the massive cruiser ever could?

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.

The final battle is at hand. While the Vagabond works to free political prisoners from a factory on Earth, the Waterloo is receiving information from someone within the enemy. A splinter Coalition government must work with the Transport Guild to determine the best way to use this new source. On the Indomitable, an old leader returns to power with a different perspective. As repairs are finally begun to return the ship to fighting strength, a decision must be made to join forces with the enemy or force a final showdown. Meanwhile, on Earth, an old comrade is reunited with family. Trapped behind enemy lines with the unlikeliest companions, she must struggle against the obstacles to find safety on a war-torn planet. When everything comes to a head, will everyone make it out alive?