Almost six years after the end of the Sol-Bect War, peace is still elusive. While the Bectolothian home world is being torn apart by civil war, their military ignites another conflict with the Terrans. As the Terran war machine builds momentum, a Bect spy betrays Peter McCabe. Terran and Bect forces converge on Vale-4, where Peter is busy building a family with Gaelei. The Terrans want Peter to help them fight the Bect. The Bect want Peter dead. Amidst the turmoil, a surprising third choice appears. With war on every front, spies on every side, and the lines of friendship so blurry, how can Peter know who to trust?