Starfleet receives a distress call from Kreetassa, the homeworld of the Kreetassans, who the Romulans attacked. Deciding to send Endeavour, with the Deputy Secretary of Defence, to assist, Starfleet Command hopes that this olive branch is enough to open further discussions with the Kreetassans in becoming more than just trading partners. The President of Earth is keen for the Democratic Union of Kreetassa to become an alliance. When Endeavour does arrive in the Kreetassan home system, they find the Kreetassan fleet in shambles and their homeworld devastated. It is down to the Endeavour’s crew to provide as much assistance as they can to the survivors. While all at the same time, they attempt to convince the Kreetassans to join the fight on the side of Humanity. The entire situation is complicated further by the strict and complex social codes the Kreetassans observe. This only becomes further complicated when the Kreetassan Chancellor demands that Captain Campbell undergoes a ritual to resolve a past personal conflict to ensure he can be trusted and respected by Kreetassan customs and standards. The entire senior staff will learn that making allies with a different civilisation is no easy job.