A terrible ambush in deep space leaves the Republic Space Vessel Lowelana in dire straights. Knowing that they cannot hope to defeat their foes, Ship-Head Uleena, a member of the reptilian species Urakari, orders a blind jump. The ship and her crew barely manage to escape.
The jump takes them far from Republic space, in a direction that has yet to be explored. With near-critical damage to their ship and severe casualties there doesn't seem to be any hope of rescue. Then they receive an answer to their distress call.