Tomas Klein and Levisomaerni are working together to gather as many galactic powers together as they possibly can, hoping that they can form a galaxy wide alliance before the Enlightened decide to make a move. But their efforts are being hampered by a mysterious and dangerous foe. Meanwhile, Adrian and Anessa have finished constructing the Nomad Fleet, and are preparing for their mission to find the Enlightened, waiting only for Tomas to convince the core powers to allow them passage through their territories. Tomas knows that they are running out of time, and that their only hope of standing against the Enlightened is uniting the galaxy. Meanwhile Adrian works on a new way of attaining power, while Lurker of the Depths and Anessa hone their newly found Sha power. The Enlightened have awakened, and the conflict for the fate of the galaxy begins.