In this exciting adventure, Capt Buckton has selected Cmdr Ed Gilbert to be his new XO and CTO (Chief Tactical Officer). Both jobs are very demanding, but JT is sure his friend is up to the task. Ed, a type "A" person and one who is trained to serve in both positions, "jumps in" with both feet and even with a major illness in his family he meets the challenge head on. Under their emperor's orders, powerful Akydaa and Wahaban military forces must travel deeper and deeper into space to procure food necessary for their empire's survival. These forces have seen reports of the riches in the alliance. These reports indicate this new food source will sustain their growing population for many decades, so they come in force. The alliance finds out the hard way the Akydaa and Wahaban are in their space and are forced to confront them. To make things really interesting, Fleet Admiral Jensen, who is on an extended vacation with his wife, has been captured by the Akydaa and no one in the alliance knows.