Shedao Shai fends off an attack from one of the slaves. He instructs others to take the slave and test him for use later on. When Shai returns to base, Elegos is waiting for him. Shai says he respects Elegos coming considering he knew there was a chance he would die. Elegos tells him he wants to share information, and Shai agrees to help him learn about the Vong by putting him the embrace of pain device.

Corran’s plan is to take a ship to Garqi and fake a crash with a small pod escaping and landing on the surface. Rogue Squadron provides cover for the mission. The plan is successful. Corran and the group meet up with Rade, his New Republic contact. Rade shows them that slaves have been turned into armies by the coral attachments on their bodies. Corran suggests that they sneak into the group during one of the war exercises and kidnap a few of the humans.

After a day of constant pain, Elegos and Shai meet again. Shai is impressed with Elegos’ understanding of the Vong. After Shai mentions that they believe in gods, Elegos questions their lack of spirituality. Shai tells him that he believes the New Republic members are resilient, but he vows to test that resilience during the war.

After a trip to Vortex, Luke’s party (also joined by Corran’s wife, Mirax) heads to Garos IV. Once on the planet, Anakin and Chalco are left behind. They decide to go looking for Daeshara’cor on their own. Instead she finds them and Anakin is kidnapped. Daeshara’cor contacts Luke and tells him she'll trade Anakin for the information she seeks. Chalco fails in an attempt to rescue him, but Anakin uses the Force to knock her unconscious.

After watching some war games footage on a holocam, Corran’s group joins the attack, Ganner successfully kills one of the Vong, but the group is attacked by the slave army. They retreat to a Bafforr tree grove for hiding. When the Vong enter the grove, their living arm begins to swell and kills them with some kind of allergic reaction. Corran tells them to take samples and then burn the grove so the Vong won’t learn what’s happened. Ganner’s face was severely injured in the battle. He has them seal his face in a manner that will permanently scar him. He wants to always remember that his arrogance has led him down the wrong path.

As Corran’s team flies off the planet to meet Kre’fey, Wedge and others, they are attacked by an incoming Vong squadron. Jaina and the Rogues join the battle and fight the Vong ships. All are saved with help from the Imperial Remnant along with surprising help from Chiss fighters who are very effective. The Chiss are lead by Jagged Fel, son of Baron Fel and Syal Antilles (Wedge’s Sister).

Shai arrives on Garqi and views with outrage the remnants of Corran’s work. He also wonders about the mystery assistance the New Republic ships received, and surmises it was the Imperial Remnant. Elegos is also present, and tries to explain why the Jedi would burn even their own dead. Elegos tells him he knows it was Corran who killed Shai’s family. Shai chooses Elegos to be his envoy with the New Republic.

Luke, Kre’fey, and Pellaeon meet to discuss the battle for Ithor. The Ithorians are not thrilled about their trees being cut down for the attack. Kre’fey places Pellaeon in command of the defense of the planet. They also wonder about the Chiss involvement. Both agree that the leaders of each side will not be happy about them joining forces, but they'll have to work it out.

Two dozen Jedi assemble again inside a floating city. Jacen questions whether taking life is necessary when all life is joined by the Force. Luke enters with an Ithorian priest, as does Daeshara’cor. The priest asks that they cleanse themselves spiritually before going onto the surface. Luke gives up his feelings of being the sole person responsible for the Jedi Order. This takes many by surprise, but it also helps the others. Anakin gives up his self assuredness, Daeshara’cor gives up hatred, Jacen, his need to know what his future holds, and Corran lets go of his fear. Other soldiers also take similar vows.

Shai learns the secret that the Jedi tried to hide from one of his advisors. They also learn that the mystery plant can be found on Ithor. They will take the planet even if they have to do so without their living armor.