Captain Hanson stopped the attack on Tethya, but that was just the beginning. With its cover lost, IL has gone into hiding. Pierce is mobilizing all his forces to stop the Dauntless and kill Hanson. He will stop at nothing in his quest to rule the galaxy.

A mysterious Ancient artefact found on the outskirts of human space begins to speak. Is it the key to understanding them and stopping IL? Elsewhere, a young girl could become a devastating weapon against Pierce's closest ally — but to strike, Hanson will have to abandon his principles. Old enemies of the crew are on the move again and ready to attack.

And all the while, Pierce comes closer to gaining to power of the Ancients.