As the group on Earth plans their trip to the Orion Corporation factory, Aubrey is concerned that Ilya is making the wrong decision in coming along with them. Ilya, however, insists that this is something that she needs to do. They know that there is something in that factory that holds meaning to her beyond what she will tell them, and together, they must make the journey to discover the answers that they all seek.

Along the way Mordecai grapples with his feelings for Ilya and what they might mean as he struggles to come to terms with her history with Ryan.

Reeling from Malcolm's sudden proposal, Icelyn must evaluate her new-found feelings for him and decide if she is considering marrying the man she loves, or if she is making a tremendous sacrifice for a war effort that she still doesn't full understand -- and if she is even willing to take either step. Her decision will create waves that stretch far beyond Uoria and shed new light on her family's past and their involvement with the Order.

As Maxim and Pyra prepare to go to the ship to rescue those who were left behind, on the ship upheaval among the crew has tensions high and the risk of violence is growing. When the team arrives, action must be taken, or they risk falling into the hands of an enemy they might not even know exists.