With invading aliens determined to confine humans to their planets, one thing is certain: the Aliens' force is technologically superior to the SAS, and even with the new Riss technology the clans have developed under Nadya Reese's supervision, the SAS cannot defeat them alone. But forging an alliance between the SAS, UFN, and JPU will not be easy. It will require the empires to put aside their long history of border wars and mutual dislike. Worse, many in the SAS hate Riss-humans, especially Nadya. As a consequence, maintaining the Mutual Support Agreement between the Riss and the SAS is proving impossible. And then there is the issue of sharing technology with recent enemies, the question of leadership, and Nadya's involvement. The JPU only recently had bounties on Riss-humans, and Riss hides are prized in the UFN and JPU. Nadya's not so sure the Alien's idea of confining the war-like humans to their planets isn't a good idea. But the fate of the Riss is tied to the humans, so whatever her doubts, she must act.

With the galaxy-traveling aliens defeated, Nadya feels it's time that a new Leader be appointed to guide the Riss into the future. At last, they have the freedom to explore the stars with their own navy and their own home planet of Freeland. In the process of defeating the aliens, a friendly alliance between the Sadr Alliance of Stars (SAS), the United Free Nations (UFN), and the Riss nation developed. But the SAS and UFN navies suffered very heavy losses in the war. The Jahaba Peoples Union (JPU), its navy now larger and better equipped, sees an opportunity to conquer all three and to destroy the Riss they have always despised. Fear of conquest proves greater than loyalty for the SAS and UFN and it leaves the peace-loving Riss to stand alone.

Nadya, hosting an intelligent parasite, is now an experienced naval officer with two battles against the Raider's cruiser packs. But she continues to be seen as an alien, generating disgust, fear, raw hate, and attempts on her life. To add to her problems, the Raiders have identified her as contributing directly to their bad luck and have designated her a dybbuk—demon—and have set a price on her dead or alive. With the Raiders a potential threat to the SAS, life has become a little too interesting.

The Raider clans have been defeated and their planet under the supervision of the Riss, with Captain Reese the station commander. But while Reese see the Clans as on probation, many in the SAS task force she commands, perceive them as prisoners and hope to break the Treaty in order to get revenge. As Nadya attempts to maintain the fragile peace, the three empires are being invaded. They know the invading force is far more technology advanced than the SAS. But who are they, where did they come from, and what do they want? One thing appears certain. The SAS cannot defeat the aliens alone. But can they overcome their prejudices against the Riss, hatred of the clans, and long years of distrust with the other empires, combine forces and technology to meet the challenge. The fate of the three empires, Riss, and the Raider clans may depend on it.

A young girl dreams of seeing the stars and meeting aliens. Her chance comes in the form of a project offering a college education, commissioning in the SAS Fleet, and a partnership with an alien. She successfully qualifies and wins one of the coveted ten positions. Of course everything comes with a price—the alien is a parasite that inhabits the body and mind, and is there for life.Is it a dream or nightmare come true—or maybe both?