The year is 2164. Humanity has slipped the surly bonds of its golden sun, and prospers as it finds a way across the stars. A new era of exploration dawns, its citizens asking the question eagerly: “Is there anyone out there?” Now, the answer comes suddenly and violently, a surprise attack on a peaceful colony. Deadly conflict, long forgotten by the governments of Man, makes itself known once more. New enemies emerge from the void: children of war, heirs to its terror and splendor. But this foe too has questions to answer, faced as it is with a civilization previously unimagined. An innocent colonist struggles to survive; a pilot must reckon with a new reality. A veteran soldier studies a peculiar enemy. Two leaders, alike in dignity, attempt to command their peoples. Through it all an ancient plan unfolds, the product of singular intent and repeated tragedy. Each shall find themselves cast into its machinations, be they agent, victim, or both.