A cataclysmic war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire has been miraculously averted, and a new government is finally in place on the planet Tezwa. But deadly secrets still threaten the fragile peace accord. Rebels loyal to the old Tezwa regime have captured Commander Riker and are willing to kill to achieve their goals. The mysterious Orion Syndicate is interfering in the rebuilding — and may also be involved in much more than that. But the most devastating revelation of all threatens the very foundations of the Federation itself — leaving Captain Picard to possibly face the very conflict that he laboured so hard to prevent.