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?