The Sandradene and her crew have survived their violent encounter with the T ik. After losing the ship's Evolved AI and nearly half the crew are returning home. Laira, knowing her actions in space will adversely affect the lives of the T k taimoni people of Joro, is planning on building a fleet of Sandradenes and returning to defend her new alleys. To do this, sacrifices will have to be made. Loved ones will have to be left behind and hidden truths...