The second book in the Off-Earth Evolution series. Saga is sent to the collaborative settlement on the planet of Konsorcio, in order to settle a rift that has broken out between settlers from Teronovaj and Pacienco. She and her crew reunite with old acquaintances and encounter unexpected hostility. While attempting to resolve problems between the two groups, they are forced to confront a deadly new enemy. Saga and Altaj muster scientific ingenuity, physical strength, and old military strategies in the fight to defend their people.