Though the United Federation of Planets still reels from Andors political decision that will forever affect the coalition, Captain William T. Riker and the crew of the U.S.S. Titan are carrying out Starfleets renewed commitment to deep space exploration. While continuing to search the Beta Quadrants unknown expanses for an ancient civilizations long-lost quick-terraforming technology a potential boon to many Borg-ravaged worlds across the Federation and beyondTitans science specialists encounter the planet Taith, home to the remnant of a once-great society that may hold the very secrets they seek. But this quest also takes Titan perilously close to the deadly Vela Pulsar, the galaxys most prolific source of lethal radiation, potentially jeopardizing both the ship and what remains of the Taithan civilization. Meanwhile, Will Riker finds himself on a collision course with the Federation Council and the Andorian government, both of which intend to deprive Titan of its Andorian crew members. And one of those AndoriansLieutenant Pava EkNoor shAqabahas just uncovered a terrible danger, which has been hiding in plain sight for more than two centuries. . . .