The novel deals with the escaped convict Valeris and a band of pirates who steal the Federation prototype vessel USS Anzio. The USS Anzio travels deep into Romulan space, bent on the destruction of a space station. A mysterious presence, known as Shadow is guiding the pirates and the Anzio on its course of chaos. The crew of the USS Enterprise-E is tasked with tracking down the pirates and bringing them to justice, while simultaneously risking the balance of power in the Alpha Quadrant, should they fail. This is Stephen Fender's first novel.