When Captain Andrew Roark discovers his boss Admiral Nathan Arnstein dead by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, shock and grief assail him in equal measure. A data cube next the Admiral's marked with a wolf's head puzzles him and he pockets the chip before calling for help. The tragic event causes him to miss his father's funeral. He soon learns from a close friend of his family, a powerful Lokaron, of a double and possible triple agent who worked with Arnstein. When he tries to pursue that lead to the Tizarth embassy, he stumbles on a kidnapping in progress and is captured along with a young woman.

The woman is Rachel Arnstein, daughter of the Admiral. Admiral Valdes, a powerful politician, controls the kidnappers. He is also interested in the death of Arnstein and questions them both as to why they were going to the Tizarth embassy. He agrees to assist them and provides visas and transportation to that planet. He asks they share any information with him.

White has published a number of titles with Baen and is noted for space warfare settings. He explored this minus the new aliens before in Eagle Against the Stars and other novels with humans interacting with aliens and even fighting and defeating them. The new species adds a major threat both to Earth and to Lokarons.

The novel disappoints in a number of ways, the characters almost seem stereotypes, especially the hero, Andrew Roark. At least the women stand up for themselves and fight with no apology, but the men still take the lead. In addition, the political philosophy comes through loud and clear, too loud at times. Another novel is sure to follow.