Donald Sandhurst has become one with the Amon, and in the aftermath of his defection and Ramirez’s assault on Europa, Operation Vanguard threatens to unravel. New leadership arrives in the Delta Quadrant with the goal of shaking up the status quo as waves of refugees threaten to overwhelm the task force’s meager resources. Can Pava Lar’ragos, wounded body and soul, rally Europa’s crew to continue the mission in the captain’s absence?