Three years have passed since the events depicted in the novel "Stone and Anvil," and the lives of the former and current crew of the U.S.S. Excalibur have taken some surprising turns. Captain Elizabeth Shelby has been promoted to Admiral and now commands Starbase Bravo, while her former ship, the U.S.S. Trident, has a new captain. Soleta has left Starfleet to explore the dangers of her Romulan heritage. Zak Kebron serves on the Excalibur as Counselor and Chief of Security. And Mackenzie Calhoun? Well, Mackenzie Calhoun is still very much the same. Si Cwan, Prime Minister of the New Thallonian Protectorate, is preparing to marry his sister Kalinda in a political marriage intended to strengthen his recently restored empire. Just before the wedding, the...