New Frontier

The A.S.F. Argos, humanity's first faster-than-light starship, lies crippled in orbit around Kepler 22b, two hundred light years from Earth. The vessel—meant to be humanity's crowning achievement—has been torn nearly in half by a devastating surprise attack from ships belonging to the International Trading Company, a rival corporate power challenging the dominance of the Alliance, the quasi-governmental super-corporation that has absorbed much of Earth's nations.

Captain Davi Cardoso, a Brazilian playboy who purchased his commission with family wealth, must rise above his shallow past to save his crew. Alongside Commander Shannon Drake, a career officer who earned her position through years of distinguished service and initially despises her unqualified captain, Davi faces multiple crises: failing life support, radiation leaks from damaged reactors, a saboteur still aboard, and enemies who could return at any moment.

The crew includes Chief of the Boat Hector de Anza, a former Mexican gang member whose deep faith guides the enlisted crew; Lieutenant Commander Suresh Singh, an Indian scientist whose idealism shatters in the face of violence; Ensign Ahmad ibn Majid, a brilliant but anxious Iranian mathematician forced into service; Chief Engineer Wangari Ngugi, a Kenyan mother whose mechanical genius keeps the dying ship functioning; and Dr. Mamiya Rimiko, a Japanese surgeon whose cold exterior hides deep compassion.

Before the attack, an away team led by Lieutenant Commander Cameron Eyre discovered intelligent life on the planet—the Anshar, bipedal reptilian beings with 18th-century level technology. American expeditionary officer Danny Morgan established friendly first contact before an ITC landing force arrived to establish a beachhead. Cameron and Danny must organize a desperate defense alongside the Anshar, fighting a brutal battle against overwhelming odds.

Meanwhile, the crippled Argos receives a distress call: the ITC has launched a system-wide attack on Alliance facilities. Despite catastrophic damage, Davi decides to return and join the fight. Chief Engineer Wangari jury-rigs the destroyed reactor for one impossible faster-than-light jump. Emerging at Titan, they face enemy ships in a final desperate battle. In a brilliant tactical gambit, they eject their overheating reactor as a weapon, destroying the enemy but breaking the Argos in two.