The survey ship USS Runyon was sent ahead to plot a path to the asteroid fields of Vorethi.  Upon arrival in the Shackleton Expanse, the Montana Squadron finds the ship missing without a trace.  They begin the search for the missing ship.  Local guilds are suspicious of any arrivals, Federation or otherwise.

The Klingons are also interested in the Vorethi system.  Newly affiliated Captain J’Klast is working alongside the Starfleet ships to intercede in rumored hostile takeover plans.  With rumored other players outside the system moving in to make their own claims – friendly and not – the Montana Squadron will have to use the full weight of their ships, their cunning, and diplomatic efforts to ensure no harm comes unless things turn foul.

As the true nature of the Shackleton Expanse unwinds from the twists and turns ahead, it will uncover old enemies and reveal new friends.