The fragile Collation of Planets is convinced that in order to hold the fledgling alliance together, something must be done to halt the random destruction of civilian shipping. Under orders from Starfleet, Captain Jonathan Archer and Captain Erica Hernandez, commanders of the two most powerful starships in the fleet, have been reduced to convoy duty: no more than glorified babysitting. Both captains are convinced that something systematic and purposeful lies behind these attacks, and Captain Archer believes he knows who is responsible -- the Romulans. But why? And will anyone listen to him before it is too late?