Something dark is on the horizon and humanity is unprepared. Admiral Drake Lokenmran is a hero having led the human fleet to victory against the Shani, but today's hero can quickly become tomorrow's scapegoat. When three freighters vanish in the Null Zone, the blame falls squarely on Drake's shoulders. He must discover who's responsible and stop them before more ships are lost. Are the Shani retaliating for the loss of their colonies? Is it pirates paid to target human ships? Or could it be something far more sinister?