With the Quasaris lockdown still in effect, Lakota Squadron continues its blockade of the system. Medical vessels continue to render support to the worlds affected by the virus whilst the Cardassians continue to watch from afar. It isn’t long before one of Starfleet’s premier science vessels, the USS Hypatia arrives, sparking hope that Lakota and her squadron will soon be allowed to move on to new ventures. Captain Kauhn of the Buran is presented with an exciting new endeavour – Hypatia needs a Captain, and he is Starfleet’s choice.

Assuming command of the Sutherland-class research cruiser, Giarvar soon learns that Starfleet has been far from honest with him; his senior staff is far from complete, and he’s expected to fill the vacancies with some of the squadron’s most senior officers, much to the chagrin of his former commander.

Offers of exciting missions of scientific discovery prove too much for some to turn down as they seek to finally step out of the shadows of their colleagues and forge their own paths. Others, however, toil over their decision – will they choose loyalty to their captain and squadron, or will they take the plunge on a new career path with Captain Kauhn and the Hypatia?