Somewhere deep in the former Demilitarized Zone, along the tumultuous Federation border with the Cardassian Union, lies the enigmatic planet Eridanus. Eridanus, known for its strategic importance and valuable resources, has long been a symbol of stability and cooperation in the region. Here, Cardassians and Humans alike have learned to live in harmony. However, now, it has inexplicably fallen silent, raising alarming concerns within Starfleet.

With no communication or data transmission from the planet for days, the Federation fears the worst—an attack from any of the factions in the region, a prospect that could ignite a powder keg of conflict along the already tense border. Lakota is ordered to investigate.

But several weeks later, Fleet Captain Keziah Nazir stands on the brink of losing everything. As she steps into the tribunal chamber aboard Deep Space 11, the weight of her career, her decisions, and her recent actions press down on her like never before. Facing charges of gross misconduct, Nazir must answer for her controversial decision during a critical mission to Eridanus—an event that led to the tragic loss of civilian lives deep within the former demilitarised zone.

Mission one in the Eridanus Trilogy.