After receiving a distress beacon while on a diplomatic mission to Valmyke, the Eris, captained by Simon and piloted by Eliza, arrives in a far-flung corner of deep space to investigate an abandoned craft, a strange growth of powerful crystals. Though Eliza is rightfully upset about Simon's promotion to Captain above herself which has put a wedge in their budding romance, the discovery of a mysterious dark matter serves as an unwelcome and at the same time all too desirable... distraction. Nothing aboard the Eris is as it seems, and Eliza and Simon must come together to get to the truth of the matter, as well as their own relationship.