After experiencing true failure for the first time in his young life, Highensign Westyr Shelhou embarks on his inaugural assignment for the Unity Fleet. 

In an unexpected turn, he finds himself dirtside with troops prepared to engage an adversary resolved to a fight to the death. Now, as an overwhelming number of enemy troops close in and his pelt’s options dwindle, Westyr’s first mission in service to the Unity Sphere may be his last.