For almost sixty years, Imraec Tarc has illegally occupied the world of Katara. For almost sixty years, one has cared... Now, things are different. Certain prominent figures in the United Frontier have set their eyes on Imraec Tarc and are planning to send an armed intervention force into the region. In preparation for the massive undertaking, Selina Erama and Asten Korr journey to Imraec Tarc to find a missing Phalamkian diplomat, while Maia Kaleilae and Zak Materson prepare to lead the task force. Meanwhile, Carla Casdan makes a series of shocking discoveries after answering a remote distress call, and Jiang Sarra finds herself stranded on Imraec Tarc while following a weapons smuggling trail. All drawn into the liberation of Katara, by design or accident, their lives will never be the same...