On Dantooine, Anakin has been using the Force to do all his chores.  Mara scolds him and tells him that he should be doing some real work (like carrying things himself).  She asks him if he sees his uncle doing things like this.  She tells him he is screaming at the Force instead of allowing the Force to whisper to him things he has not yet learned.  By not using the Force he learns more about himself and more about those he will face that do not use the Force.

On Bimmiel, the strangers that Corran and Ganner meet are indeed the team they were looking for.  They lead them deep inside a cave to their camp.  The team has actually discovered the remains of a Yuuzhan Vong that was on the planet at least 40-50 years earlier, meaning the Vong has been looking in on this galaxy for a while now.

Luke and Jacen get a closer look at the destruction on Belkadan caused by Yomin Carr and the Vong.  The remains of the base tell them that the Yuuzhan Vong do not appreciate their technology.  They come across a group of slaves that are being held in check by some sort of bone material covering them that acts almost like a restraining bolt.  They also determine that the remnants of the Vong infestation are coralskippers being grown!  A slave slips into the water, and a warrior savagely kills him.  Jacen wants to free the slaves, but Luke tells him that they must wait.

Leia arrives at Dubrillion, but the planet is nearly destroyed.  She learns that Vong ships occasionally fly in and bomb the city as well as attack ships that attempt to leave.  Jaina and Danni share a few moments together.

Corran and Ganner come across a village that slashrats won’t go near.  There are slaves and Yuuzhan Vong living there.  A slave exits one building, and is killed sportingly by several Vong warriors.  Ganner wants to attack the warriors, but Corran uses the Force the restrain him and they return back to the cave.

Jacen finds Luke in a trance and marvels at his Uncle’s connection to the Force.  He hopes that he will be able to do the same someday.  He decides to return to the camp to free some slaves.  Unfortunately he is met by a Yuuzhan Vong warrior who bests him in a fight and nearly drowns him before taking him captive.

Gavin Darklighter and his Rogue Squadron arrive on Dubrillion to meet with the Admiral Kre'fey and Leia.  They are to defend any ships that attempt to leave the planet.  Jaina wants to be part of the defense, but Gavin refuses.  Leia tells him that Jaina is one of the best pilots available and they need all the help they can get.  Jaina is allowed to join Rogue Squadron under the nickname “Sticks”.  Once in flight, it takes little time for the Yuuzhan Vong warships and coralskippers to begin the attack.  Although they had hoped to jump to Agamar, a Vong warship blocks their path and the convoy jumps to hyperspace towards Dantooine instead.

Jacen is being held on a pain inducing machine and can feel the Vong placing something on his face.  It is the same substance he saw on the slaves.  Luke arrives and using two lightsabers is able to defeat the three Vong that are holding Jacen captive.  Luke tells Jacen they must head to Dantooine.

Mara and Anakin meet with some locals and work out a bartering arrangement.  Mara is pleased that Anakin does all this without using the Force.

As Corran and Ganner return to camp, Corran reflects on how the Vong use their slaves as much for torture and cruelty as opposed to the normal use (labor force with little costs).  This causes him more concern about the future war that is coming.  Back at the camp, the scientists tell them that the beetle they recovered is able to replicate the stink smell that wards off slashrats.  Corran suggests they create a virus that will have them simulate the slashrat kill scent instead.  As they prepare the plan, they realize that two members of the team have gone missing.

Anakin ventures down to find his bartering companion, but he finds the man being interrogated by two Yuuzhan Vong.  He refuses to tell them where to find Anakin and Mara.  Anakin uses the Force to toss a huge boulder at the Vong, and then he ignites his purple lightsaber and attacks killing both of them.  The man tells him that the Jade Sabre has been destroyed (along with most other technology) and gives him some medicinal items for Mara and he quickly returns.  Anakin begins wondering whether the mere presence of the Vong makes Mara’s illness worsen.

The convoy arrives from Dubrillion and Leia detects no Yuuzhan Vong in the area.  Leia agrees to remain as the Admiral returns for reinforcements.  Leia is concerned that she cannot sense Anakin or Mara on the planet.

Mara and Anakin have been chased for several days.  Anakin believes they are searching for him to seek revenge for killing the other warriors.  Eventually they are cornered by three of the Vong.  Anakin tries to get Mara to flee while he holds them off.  He fights bravely, but is nearly killed until Luke and Jacen arrive to finish off the Vong attackers.  Mara determines that the reason she has been growing weaker is because she is resting too much.  The disease is cutting her off from the Force so she needs to become more active within the Force to stay healthy.