In the present, aboard the Starship Moonhawk, Ael Delenaria has a post traumatic response to Commander Sorthac. She is forced to answer to Dr. Heather Lopez in an effort to clear her psychologically for duty. She tells the tale of a 40-year-old wound that won't heal. Forty years ago, after a particularly pitched battle during the Chotan War, Ael Delenaria finds herself trapped in a prison camp behind enemy lines. Her jailer is hell-bent on breaking her in mind and spirit through unspeakable acts of torture and brutality. Near the breaking point, Ael seizes on an opportunity to escape to return to her comrades - or die trying.