"In the twenty-fifth century, only the alien race known as the Shoal possess the secret of (FTL), faster-than-light travel, giving them absolute control over all trade and exploration throughout the entire galaxy. Mankind has operated within their influence for two centuries, establishing a dozen human colony worlds scattered along the conventional Shoaler trade routes." "Dakota Merrick, while serving as a military pilot, has witnessed atrocities for which this alien race is responsible. Piloting a civilian cargo ship, she is currently ferrying an exploration team to a star system containing a derelict starship. From its wreckage, her passengers hope to salvage a functioning FTL drive of mysteriously non-Shoal origin. But perhaps the Shoal are not yet ready to relinquish their monopoly over a technology they acquired through ancient genocide."--BOOK JACKET.