-ALL PERSONNEL TO BATTLE STATIONS! Words that would change the fate of what remains of humanity. As a third generation searcher, it never occurred to Clary Starborn that she might someday be in charge of anything other than her little botany lab. One hundred and fifty years ago the most powerful countries of Earth built and launched five ships. Ships meant to carry what remained of humanity out into the space beyond their known galaxy to search for a new home. From birth, they had trained and drilled, prepared as best they could for the inevitable contact with other species. One hundred and fifty years, and their first contact with alien life is hostile. The starship Aria is under attack. Within a matter of hours, the crew of thousands is decimated. -PRIMARY TARGET ACQUIRED. PREPARE TO ENGAGE. The First Warship came out of the Void and Tarek, Commander of the Sarazen Armada, had anticipated the victory of finally destroying the enemy ship that had been evading him for weeks. Instead, they come upon a smaller vessel, woefully unequipped to deal with the bombardment of the attacking Na'ah. One shuttle managed to escape with seven life signs registering. Tarek ordered the shuttle to board the Sarazen warship, never even considering one of the fragile beings on board, might be his One. Nothing could have prepared Clary for Tarek. She had never seen anything like him, never experienced the rush of instant connection or deep yearning to be called, his One. She didn't know what it would mean for her or the other human survivors. But the offer of a new home, a new solar system to explore and a gigantic alien mate who claimed she was his to share it with, was far too good an offer to pass up.