When a mysterious planet-wide blackout threatens a Federation world, the Starfleet Corps of Engineers must track down those responsible—before it’s too late.

When a sudden, catastrophic blackout engulfs an entire Federation world, it’s Starfleet Corps of Engineers to the rescue. As Commander Gomez and her elite team of engineers fight to restore power before civilization unravels, a far more mysterious thread begins to surface beneath the chaos.

Linguist Bart Faulwell is sent on a mission of his own: track down Jewlan, an Asarion linguist whose discovery of a weapon at an ancient archaeological site may have triggered the disaster. But Faulwell’s connection with Jewlan grows into friendship—and maybe something more—becomes a diversion to the mission. And when Jewlan becomes Jolen through the unique Asarion biology that causes unpredictable shifts between male and female, Faulwell finds himself with more than one difficult decision.

As friendships blur, identities shift, and loyalties are tested, the blackout deepens into something far more dangerous. With an entire world—and their own ship—on the brink of destruction, Faulwell must navigate not just an alien mystery, but choices that could change everything.