The story continues with Jupe Beggs arriving back home and looking for those responsible for his betrayal. His father TC and his sister Dawn-Star are the first on his list, but he suspects the government's Deep Space Exploration company is just as much to blame. Trying to build support, he heads a group of conspiracy researchers called Ancia Free, until they start to uncover too much. Unknown to Jupe, his father has ties to the criminal leader Lars Best, who is interested in using their uniquely brave piloting skills for his own cause. In this riveting sequel to Shadow of a Burning Star unexpected characters come into the mix, as the race to conquer space heats up. There are gangsters and opportunists alike, willing to do anything for the chance to step up into outer space.