Year 2259. For ten years, the race of earthlings was forced to live under the fear of complete destruction. They were slaves and helpless victims. But now everything has changed. When the people of Earth had a chance to use the help of the Shadows, they, without hesitation, grabbed it. Demoralized by their catastrophic defeat at the Battle of the Second Frontier, the Minbari retreat. The earthlings are preparing to strike back...

As the war between humans and the Minbar flares up with renewed vigor, Bester's intrigues have taken Sheridan farther than he has ever been before, perhaps here he will find death for himself and his crew. The political situation is becoming increasingly complex, threatening to spiral out of control for both Proxima and Minbari, and Londo is reminded of something long forgotten...