'Black Jack' Geary has made risky decisions as commander, but ordering the Alliance fleet back to the Lakota Star System where it had nearly been destroyed by the Syndics has his officers questioning his sanity. It's a desperate gamble that may buy Geary just enough time to prepare for the Syndics's invevitable return - and give the fleet a fighting chance of survival. But even as he struggles to stay one step ahead of the enemy, Geary must force conspirators within his own fleet - an unknown number of officers who want a chance of command. And Geary know that his fleet must stand together or the Syndic forces will tear them apart...