In the early 21st century, with the recent discovery of a hypergate in the Sol system, humans have begun to explore and meet inhabitants of other planets. Although Terran humans have encountered a few humanoid species, they are not aware of the existence of two alien races manipulating circumstances on Earth.
Daniel MacAllister is a man who has everything. He is young, handsome, wealthy, and successful. Because he has a remarkable gift for bringing people to agreement on insoluble issues, he is considered by his peers to be Earth's most effective diplomat. Daniel has just negotiated a successful peace agreement between two warring Middle East nations, but the embassy hosting the talks is bombed minutes before the accord is signed. Daniel's life and the accord both disintegrate in the aftermath of the destruction. Memories of the terrifying day of the bombing haunt him, and Daniel suffers a mental breakdown. Convinced that he bears responsibility for the catastrophe, he is certain that he is beyond redemption. Daniel is unaware that the negotiationsand his own lifehave been sabotaged by an alien with a mean streak and a penchant for chaos. Also unbeknownst to Daniel, he is being manipulated by a second alien race interested in enlisting his help in a much larger game.
Daniel's life takes a second major turn when his path crosses Jaden Foster's, a healer who is much more than she seems. With Jaden's help, Daniel is set free of one alien's influence. However, their relationship enmeshes him in the intrigues of a second species, leading to a series of galaxy spanning events that compel him to discover his own capacity for redemption.