With adversaries behind her and the USS Odyssey in front, the crew attempt to mount a rescue operation against Starfleet orders. Due to the nature of the operation, special precautions are taken which breeds suspicion and concern amongst the crew.

Friendships are tested to the limit in an episode that sees the return of Captain Johns and a difficult mission for the Helena and her crew. The Orions have managed to get hold of a Thelaron device and the ship is despatched to where they believe the Orions may try to sell it. Captain Faisal is under pressure from Admiral Knapp to show results or the mission may be aborted. Meanwhile Dr Ness advises the Captain to place Aster under lock and key for his own protection and Faisal is concerned her friendship has clouded her judgement.

The Odyssey has been lost in the Andromeda Galaxy, and information on the fate of the missing members of the R'Kag's crew is a shattered mirror of misdirection, bad information, and rumors of death. Thanks to the efforts of Commander Jorian Zen and Commander Robin Lefler, all is not lost - but something strange is brewing in the newly revealed recesses of a formerly hidden frontier that has suddenly taken center stage - and it could lead to a lethal showdown with a never-before encountered lifeform.

Captain Benjamin Maxwell and the USS Phoenix are on the hunt for the USS Helena, wanted for a devastating omega accident. As Helena's dwindling allies are forced to take sides, not even Faisal herself could have guessed what is to come.