After more than 70 years of war, an uneasy peace has been established between the United Earth Force and the Calvorian Alliance. Following a devastating mission to a newly discovered planet, Mara Christenson--first officer aboard the Earth flagship Horizon--must try to come to terms with her past, and the forces which led her to becoming the soldier she is now.

After seventy years of war between United Earth Force and the Calvorian Alliance come to an end, Travis Rand--war hero and captain of the flagship Horizon--returns to Earth for leave. But a visit to an injured friend forces Rand to retrace the steps which introduced them...and led to him becoming the man he is today. What makes a hero? Is it the triumphs, the tragedies, or some mix in between? Or is it the unseen hand of destiny which brought him into being...right when the human race needed a savior?