The HYPERION has survived its last mission, but at a terrible cost. Once the pride of the Space Navy, the HYPERION is now little more than a wreck. As work on the repairs continues, the ship's officers must go their separate ways. Captain Cross and Alpha 365 set out on a mission to neutralize the threat posed by the kill chips. Likewise, Tess Kensington and Lukas Akoskin journey into the belly of the beast - where they will soon encounter a familiar face... And as Admiral Pendergast plans her next steps, President Skolberg plays his hand.