After seven brutal years aboard starships, the humans have landed on their new home planet, Terra Nova. However, it isn't the paradise they had hoped: The colony is in turmoil as the military seizes power and the humans soon realize they aren't alone. The aliens have come, and Zeneba is hard pressed to act. Hesitant to meet these newcomers in all-out war, she sends scouting parties to see what it is they have come for. This indecision may cost Zeneba...

The human domination of Terra Nova is nearly complete, the natives routed, their queen taken prisoner, and the peace movement suppressed.