On his way to a prison planet, Tanard, a renegade Fleet officer, escapes and vows vengeance. First Scout Terrllss-rr must find the secret base that is supporting him before the Wanderers rise up and unleash Death's wrath on the Serrll. Terr meets Teena and his life is suddenly thrown into turmoil. When she discovers that he is a Discipline adept, she rejects him. To regain her love, he is forced to show her what it means to stand in Death's shadow.