Generations ago, a single turun explorer discovered a long-abandoned and dwindling population of humans, a devastated colony nearing extinction on a dangerous, hostile world. Now entirely blended into turun society, uman people have become full citizens of the far-flung Ka' Taand, a civilization that depends on the social instincts of both uman and turun. But the Ka' Taand is now threatened by a vicious enemy from beyond familiar space, an enemy neither species understands. When small half-fighter tradeship Nkaastu unexpectedly encounters a formation of enemy fighters during a routine trading mission, uman battlecommander Daamon sees no choice but to tackle suicidal odds in the hope of giving the worlds of the Ka' Taand time to prepare for renewed attack. Neither Daamon nor his turun captain expect to survive long enough to know whether the sacrifice of their ship has been in vain ... ... until an unknown and much more powerful ship appears, slashing effortlessly through the enemy fighters and saving Nkaastu . But who are these newcomers? And will they prove the allies the Ka' Taand needs ... or a new and deadlier enemy? Perfect for fans of CJ Cherryh and Becky Chambers, a new space opera adventure of first contact ... or possibly second contact ... or perhaps both ...