A rocky and troubled beginning to the Demeter colonies fades into the past. With the installation of Darius Owens as Concordia's first governor, the new community looks forward to prosperity and peace. United under a new leader, the villagers of Camp Eight put their shameful and discordant summer behind them. But as the sun sets on the first winter, the dawn of spring brings fresh trouble. Karen Daniels, formerly a sergeant under the command of Colonel Fox, has seen no end to death since her arrival. A mysterious disease, one that nearly claimed Karen's life just a month after landing, has taken a heavy toll. All of her officers and medical staff are dead, along with more than half of the survivors under her care. A desperate gamble has her on the move, setting in motion a chain of events that will change the destiny of Raphael's survivors. The pioneers of Concordia emerge from their winter shelter with renewed hope and enthusiasm, ready to tame their new world. Demeter has other intentions, and soon proves to the townsfolk that she is a harsh mistress, and the very planet that was meant to keep humanity alive turns against them. As Darius makes decisions that could make the difference between survival and eradication, the residents must make their own choice: have faith in their governor and follow his plan for the winter, or place their personal needs above all else and risk anarchy.