Six months have passed since The Road to the Stars.
An uneasy peace has settled between the Solarian Union and the Terran Federation. Negotiations continue, but seem to be going nowhere.
But that doesn't mean Cass and Ken haven't been busy.
Their second starship is about to commission. A new habitat is nearly complete. A new class of fighters is entering service.
And they still have stars to explore.
But within the Union, new plots are arising. New challenges are being prepared. Soon, they will be ready to strike.
Will Cass and Ken be able to handle the latest attack? Or will the dream of a Terran Federation die?

LOOK INSIDE:

"Honored guests," started Kendra, then stopped. "Oh, no, I'm not going through with that felgercarb. Daniela, Shannon, come here."
They walked to the podium, surprised as anyone else.
"Admiral?" asked Shannon.
"Change of plans. Lieutenant Fowler, will you assist me in the administration of the oath of office?"
"Aye-aye, Admiral." Shannon turned, standing next to Kendra and facing Daniela. She stage-whispered, "Do what I do."
"Raise your right hand," directed Kendra, and Daniela did so, echoing Shannon. "Repeat after me. I, Daniela Garcia, do solemnly swear."
"I, Daniela Garcia, do solemnly swear…"
"To support and defend the Terran Federation against all enemies…"
"Foreign and domestic; to bear true faith and allegiance to the same…"
"I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion…"
"And I will well and faithfully discharge the duties…"
"Of the office on which I am about to enter."
"You may lower your hand. Congratulations, Lieutenant Garcia." Kendra turned to face the audience, Shannon nudging Daniela to do the same. "Honored guests, I present Lieutenant Daniela Garcia, commanding officer of the Nymeria Squadron of Direwolves."
As applause rippled around the assembled officers and crew, Shannon said, "Nymeria?"
Daniela shrugged. "Surprise to me, too."
When the applause died away, Kendra said, "Ladies. I know this is a bit impromptu, but would you be willing to give us a demonstration of what a Direwolf can do?"
Daniela looked at Shannon. "It would be best if there's a Wolf for comparison," she said.
"Oh, thank you very much. You get the flashy fighter and I get to look like I'm driving the bus."
"No, that's not –"
Shannon laughed. "I'm teasing you. Of course. Let's go suit up."