In this gripping Voyager tale by Christie Golden, Captain Chakotay is ready to prove himself as the new commanding officer of the Starship Voyager - but skeptics back at Starfleet Command are watching him closely for any sign that he will revert to his renegade Maquis ways. His first mission as captain, to transport a group of displaced colonists back to their home planet of Loran II, seems easy enough: make sure the planet is safe for colonization, unload the settlers, and head back to Earth. He even has an extra reason to enjoy the trip - his sister, Sekaya, has joined the mission as a spiritual advisor to the gentle, peace-loving colonists.

But when the crew arrives at Loran II, they discover a mysterious storm, an ominously deserted settlement - and a hidden threat from Chakotay's past that could destroy them all. Will Chakotay's first mission as captain of Voyager also be his last?