For the first time ever, Van has to deliver the remains of fallen comrades. At the Starsmith, he’s presented with an opportunity to change the face of the war, even as Torina and Van begin planning for the ultimate shift in their Parenthood. But first, the crew must prepare for an unexpected gift—a new, unknown fleet of ships, uncrewed and hidden deep out in the black. There’s just one problem. They have the ships, but they need pilots and a secret base to create their fleet. For that job, they’ll need an ally of unparalleled strength. The Schegith Protectorate. With friends, and a little time, Van and his AI friends create a plan so bold it will take them into the heart of Yotov’s web—and far from anyone who can help them. Earth hangs in the balance, and the fight for humanity’s future will take place among the stars.