With Trigus III, once again under Federation control, the crew of the USS Highlander return to Starbase 375, to take on new crew and supplies. However, their R and R is cut short when Starfleet orders them to investigate a new region of space, discovered at the edge of the Federation borders. Serenna is controlled by a new races of humanoids and First Contact has only just begun.

After a quick briefing, the crew leave Starbase 375 for Sector 38965 and the Serenna Homeworld. Whilst on the way, the many members of the crew are affected by a mysterious disease, which only attacks male human crew. Quick thinking from both the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Science Officer avert a catastrophic epidemic. As both the cause and the cure, Commander Adrian Crusher saves the day by producing an unusual remedy.

With many of the crew still recovering, the Highlander arrives in Serenna Space in time to rescue a Serenna freighter being

attacked by a fleet of marauding pirates; the Zahn. After the quick scuffle, the Highlander escorts the freighter to the homeworld, passing by a hugh monolith, earmarked for future investigation.

Captain James, and his away team beam down to the surface and are presented to the Serenna Council, who accept the Highlander crew and Starfleet. Control of the hugh monolith is given over to Captain James.