The story starts small, with a simple case of ore piracy, and focuses on three individuals: Angus Thermopyle, a pirate and murderer who will stop at nothing for personal gain; Morn Hyland, a brilliant young policewoman who has committed a horrifying act and who falls prey to Thermopyle; and Nick Succorso, a legendary star captain who may be the key to Morn's salvation...or her worst nightmare.

Through the lives of Angus, Morn and Nick, an increasingly complex future is revealed, where faster-than-light travel is commonplace, deception and betrayal are rife, and every action takes place in the shadow of a menacing alien presence that lies just on the other side of the Gap.