When a faint Borg signal emerges from the dangerous depths of the Etrada Nebula, Lakota Squadron is placed on high alert. As the closest ship in range, Captain Noli Auru and the USS Proteus are dispatched to investigate whilst the rest of the squadron makes their way to the Zaran system. After avoiding destruction in the gaseous clouds and radiation fields of the nebula, Proteus successfully locates the source of the signal, a piece of technology aboard what appears to be a hidden starbase belonging to the Orion Syndicate. When the crew learn the Borg technology is being moved, they try to intercept and take ownership, but several Orion escorts engage the Echelon-class starship. With the ship carrying the technology trying to evade Starfleet in the nebula, a game of cat and mouse ensues, but not before Noli orders an away team to leave the nebula and bring reinforcements.

Once the away team breaks through the nebula and updates Starfleet, Captain James Ryan and the USS Hypatia are ordered to enter the nebula and locate Black Veil Station. There, they will assess the Syndicate’s plans for the Borg device, and learn the secrets of Black Veil.

Meanwhile, Captain Giarvar Kauhn and the USS Lakota crew are tasked with crippling the Syndicate’s supply lines when several unsuspecting freighters are spotted on a direct course for the nebula. Intercepting convoys delivering weapon components and personnel to Black Veil, Kauhn’s team succeeds in planting tracking beacons on the remaining freighters, effectively compromising the station’s supply chain and enabling Starfleet to track the ships from the nebula and beyond. With resources dwindling, the Syndicate’s defences are critically weakened, and Lakota Squadron prepares for the final assault on Black Veil Station to dismantle the Syndicate’s operation and neutralize the Borg weapon once and for all.