Honor and duty, loyalty and betrayal, enmity and revenge, in an interlacement of action adventure, espionage and romance. A myth of epic proportions begins with the story of Antonia Bellero, a half human vampire from the ancient planet Antellus who comes to Earth to track down the enemy of her people. Through a quirky twist of fortune she winds up serving on the Interstellar Federation dreadnought Destiny's Forge and finds danger and romance along the way. When she comes to the end of her quest she soon finds that her own destiny is not what she imagined.

Gar'noc sat in his hospital bed a vision of quiet dignity. His face was partially bandaged with white gauze, but his pink grey eye glinted with satisfaction on seeing her. He extended his hand to Antonia, who took it and said, "General, it is good to see you are better."

"I understand you were debriefed this morning," he replied. "I hope it was not too stressful."

Antonia smiled gently. "I learned as much from Major Stansler as he learned from me."

"Good." Then he turned to Chase. "I would like to speak to her alone, Colonel. You may have her back when I have finished."

Chase started to say something, but relented. "Very well, sir. Call me when you are ready."

When he had gone, Gar'noc turned to Antonia. "I have been thinking about what we discussed before. Now I must ask you what your plans are for the future."

"I must proceed to my destination," she said. "I have already lost time entangled in this affair. I'm sorry I cannot tell you more, but know that my mission does not represent a danger to your Federation or its security."

Gar'noc appraised her for a long moment, then said,"you are on a quest, one with will probably take you closer to danger than ever before. But you cannot see the road ahead, nor can you turn back. I cannot allow you to act independently, for that would compromise your current position as a guest of the Federation. Would you consider an alternative?"

His words revealed that he was far more preceptive than Antonia had been aware. Could Gar'noc read minds? "Perhaps," she said.

"Then let me posit to you that there is only so much you can do without outside help. I have some influence, and I could lend you assistance of the kind you could not obtain easily. Suppose I were to sign you on as an intelligence agent? After a brief training period and some routine work for us you would be free to pursue your own objectives under the umbrella of Star Command, as long as your own business does not contravene our projects."

Antonia considered for several seconds but culd not find an excuse to refuse his proposal. "My objective requires the ability to travel, and is not confined to a single system but may have to range among several. What could you offer me in return for my service?"

"If I could arrange to give you an officer's commission, and have you posted on a starship, would that satisfy your requirements?"

"More than adequately," she replied, unable to believe her good fortune. "Thank you, General."

He hissed with amusement. "Don't think me yet, Antonia. The hard part is yet to come."