Admiral John "Black Jack" Geary must battle dangers both within and without the Alliance, in this exciting continuation of the New York Times bestselling series.

Geary knows that some political factions in the Alliance were just trying to get rid of him when he was assigned to escort a diplomatic and scientific mission to the far reaches of humanity's expansion into the galaxy…and beyond. But he views his mission as both a duty, and as an opportunity…to make things better, wherever he can. And when a crippled Rift Federation ship tumbles out of jump space, Geary leaps into action. But the survivors' story isn't completely adding up.



As Geary investigates, he soon finds himself fending off spies and assassins while leading the fleet as it fights its way across space controlled by the mysterious and hostile aliens that humans call enigmas. New challenges arrive at every turn, including a new alien species who invites the fleet to visit one of their star systems. With little information to go on, Geary must weigh the benefits of possible new allies against the possibility of a trap. The fate of the fleet, and possibly even the future of humanity, will depend on him making the right decision.



If he can stay alive long enough to do that.

Story Locale: Outer space

Series Overview: Admiral John "Black Jack" Geary must give his all to defend and protect the Alliance, in this military science fiction series.