In the aftermath of the devastating Frontier Day massacre, the starships Lakota, Buran, and Osiris are left scarred and reeling from the loss of cherished friends and comrades. These ships, whilst not at the forefront of the ill-fated celebration, still managed to endure heavy casualties and significant damage during the horrifying event. Now, they are docked at the sprawling Avalon Fleet Yards, undergoing extensive repairs and receiving replacements for the fallen.

Amid the somber atmosphere of recovery and repair, news arrives that sends shockwaves through the crews of the Lakota Squadron starships—new commanders are being appointed to lead these vessels, commanders not drawn from the ranks of the survivors. Outsiders.

Feelings of grief, resentment, and mistrust threaten to divide the crews from their newly appointed leaders. The question looms large: How can these newcomers ever replace the irreplaceable?

On the other side, the commanders who have been assigned to these ships are navigating their own complex emotions. They must grapple with the legacy of those who came before them and the challenge of winning the trust and respect of the existing crews.