When Earth Command first defeated the Romulans and the Neutral Zone was established, it was with the help of other races across the galaxy. Out of those first uneasy but crucial alliances came the United Federation of Planets and its combined forces, Starfleet. But the close confines of a starship with so many different races and personalities on board creates tensions across all the ranks. Control of what could grow to be the greatest power in the galaxy is at stake and no one can take it lightly.

So when the flagship of the new Federation fleet is up for grabs among six new Starfleet captains, Admiral Ed Walker is determined to keep this jewel, and all of Starfleet with her, away from the scientists and under military command. Walker chooses Captain Aaron Stiles as his protege in this endeavour. Stiles, bent on avenging the death of his brother Jake, faces stiff resistance from Walker's rebellious space-jock nephew Dane and scientist Captain Bryce Shumar. But they face their biggest threat of all in an unknown alien race destroying the bases of the Oreias system. Can they ignore their differences and pull together to ensure that Starfleet and the Federation has a future?