In Times of War, Part One

When an agent goes missing during a covert investigation into a conspiracy between the Tarein and high-ranking members of Earth's government, a secret division of Temporal Security enlists Valentinian's crew to assist in the investigation. Their search begins with the disappearance of an exploration ship after its discovery of an ancient Thalshuk derelict in deep space, and soon involves a conspiracy within Temporal Security itself. Meanwhile, the Tarein are making preparations for a war against Earth. If the Tarein can locate the lost technology of the Vihl, they believe they'll be prepared to launch a successful campaign.