A damaged space ship, an impossible situation. Land close to the enemy border... or die in space. Independent Trade Ship Drake and her crew are six weeks from Earth, when Murphy's Law throws a spanner in the works. An improbable power failure occurs at the exact time a tiny tennis ball sized meteorite is heading towards the ship - the damage is catastrophic. Now Captain Joseph Jones has real problems: not enough fuel to get to Earth, no colonies or outposts in the sector and the damage can't be repaired in space. The ship's navigator, Alison Thompson, discovers a possible solution. A free uninhabited M class planet, AG48-5, within their fuel range, but located right on the border with Krell territory. With no other alternatives, they start on the slow journey toward the possibility of salvation. But grounding the ship causes more damage; Drake will never leave the planet. Food will run short in weeks so a plan to tap the local flora and fauna is hatched. As the colony begins, Jones works to bring other Independent traders to, what is now known as Argos. His vision of a new and totally free trading colony seems so close, but the ongoing war between the Krell Empire and the Human Coalition causes some traders to hesitate. Events unfolding on Earth may end the dream before it starts. Against a background of political scandal, treachery and greed, the small group must survive.