<b>An original novel set in the universe of <i>Star Trek: Enterprise</i>!</b><br /><br />October 5, 2140. After a half-dozen years of research and testing, Starfleet prepares to launch its first warp 5 vessel—<i>Daedalus.</i> Propelled by a radical new engine designed by Earth&apos;s most brilliant warp field theorist, Victor Brodesser, the new ship will at last put the stars within mankind&apos;s reach.<br /> <br />But on the eve of her maiden voyage, a maintenance engineer, Ensign Charles Tucker III—"Trip" to his friends—discovers a flaw in <i>Daedalus&apos;s</i> design. When he confronts Brodesser, the scientist—as charismatic as he is brilliant—eases Trip&apos;s concerns. The ship launches on schedule, and as Trip watches in horror, it explodes in a catastrophic ion cascade reaction, killing all aboard.<br /> <br />Thirteen years pass. Still haunted by memories of that disaster, Trip now serves as chief engineer aboard <i>Enterprise.</i> When a freak explosion cripples his vessel, leaving her helpless before a surprise attack, Trip is forced to abandon his ship—and his shipmates. As he is on the verge of mounting a desperate rescue attempt, however, a shocking turn of events forces him to confront the ghosts of <i>Daedalus</i> one final time.