They hail the Marquand demanding to know why they haven't yet given assistance, and Kebron responds that they must attend to an incoming communique from Excalibur. Meanwhile, the Thallonians aboard the Kayven Ryin notice that the USS Marquand, the runabout carrying Si Cwan and Zak Kebron is beginning to slow down, and the Thallonians are worried that their would-be prey suspect something. He then hails Si Cwan on subspace to gain some information on the Nelkarites. Calhoun has Selar round up Hufmin, who is the captain of the transport, and two other passengers to serve as representatives. She suspects Excalibur of being a pirate vessel and demands proof it was not them who damaged the transport Cambon, rescued by Excalibur in the previous novel. She identifies herself as Laheera, a Nelkarite. The commander of the opposing ship then hails the Excalibur. Three seconds later, Calhoun orders Boyajian to fire a warning shot on a weak spot suggested by Soleta. While the Excalibur engages in evasive maneuvers, Calhoun opens a channel with the ship and gives them five seconds to stand down. Soleta has trouble determining the origin of the vessel saying that it has only passing similarities to a Kreel vessel. An indignant Mackenzie Calhoun exclaims he wants to "blow those bastards out of space", but resolves to handle the situation with more caution.
As the novel opens, the USS Excalibur is under attack by an unknown vessel.
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