Return to the edge of the final frontier. In the aftermath of a war that brought the Alpha Quadrant to the brink of destruction, Starbase Deep Space 9—the galaxy's nexus of scientific and military intrigue—is once more the flashpoint of impending armageddon as a surprise attack cripples the station, killing hundreds and threatening the fragile new peace. Colonel Kira Nerys and the survivors—together with several controversial new officers—are all who stand against the outbreak of a new war and a terrible doom tied to the unborn child of Captain Benjamin Sisko. Elsewhere, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the starship USS Enterprise make a startling discovery… one that will affect the destiny of an entire civilization and forever change the lives of those aboard Deep Space 9. A bold new beginning for one of the most compelling Star Trek sagas of all.