The United Federation of Planets and the Romulan Star Empire are the last remaining superpowers after the devastation of the Dominion War. A cold war brews after the Romulans refuse to return liberated Federation territory. In the midst of this turmoil and uncertainty, Betazed, a world ravaged by the war, is in dire need of humanitarian aid, but with low manpower, a devastated fleet, and young officers given battlefield promotions well before their time, the Federation stands upon a razors edge to render adequate assistance.

Battle weary Captain Malcolm Xires and his ship, the U.S.S. Gladiator, are redeployed to Betazed to help rebuild the planet. With no support, the ship finds itself unable to contain the ever changing political and social landscape of the planet and the lack of basic necessities in the face of increasing violence and growing resentment towards Starfleet and the Federation. Can the crew of the Gladiator, raised in combat, serve in galaxy that no longer wants warriors? Can these jaded, young crewmen help a fracturing Federation return to its original values?