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...

Minbar lies in ruins, devastated by those whom it itself tried to destroy. As Sinoval tries to create a new world and a new people from the ashes, his dream is attacked from all sides. Delenn has returned home for the first time in two years, and she must deal with her feelings about Minbari's new destiny. Ulkesh is still hiding in the shadows with his plans for the future. Plus: Two of the galaxy's greatest mysteries have been answered.