Liz has travelled to the Trig to join Timus in negotiating a peace between the Sorsons and the Thargons. They are unsuccessful, and soon both races are encroaching on Earth's solar system.

John and Mike manage to evade the crossfire as the Thargon ship is destroyed. The Sorsons land on Earth where Vishishnu contacts the President about an alliance.

Andrew heads to the White House and manages to rescue Mike and Hsui Tai. On hearing that John is being held by the Federation, the trio decide to steal a Sorson ship to rescue him.

John and Liz contact the Thargons who agree to leave Earth if they find no evidence of Sorsons being there; however, the President orders a preemptive strike against them.