The crew of the Andromeda Ascendant engages in a training mission with a fleet of Castalian bubble-ships. As the training comes to an end, a high guard ship headed by Jamahl hails the Andromeda, explaining that he has an important message from Sara Riley, Dylan's long-dead fiancŽe.

An image of Sara appears in Dylan’s private quarters. Visibly pregnant, she tells Dylan she took his advice and went on with her life. (See Episode #108) She got married and is very happy, but it's also a dangerous and dark time in the universe. Jamahl explains that his home planet of Tarazed is the last refuge of the Systems Commonwealth. The founders were survivors from the Andromeda Ascendant, and have been waiting for Dylan to come back for generations.

The Andromeda Ascendant heads to Tarazed despite some apprehension from the crew. Upon arrival, thirty-six Slipfighters surround the ship, moving into an honor guard formation. Rakel Ben-Tzion, First Triumvere of Tarazed, welcomes them. When she leads Dylan to her office to introduce him to a crowd of descendants of Sara Riley, Dylan meets an identical version of Gaheris Rhade, the first officer who betrayed him. (See Episode #101) Telemachus Rhade, the commander of Tarazed's Home Guard, is a direct descendant of Gaheris.

Tyr advises Dylan that Nietzschean genetic reincarnation is possible, and points out that Telemachus should not be trusted. Later, Rakel tries to convince Dylan to make a speech to rally for their cause and ensure victory in the upcoming elections. She reluctantly admits there is a big isolationist movement that might be victorious. After delivering his speech, Dylan meets with Telemachus, who heads the isolationist movement. In spite of their differences, Telemachus seeks Dylan's knowledge of Gaheris, and whether he was a hero or a traitor.

Dylan has several flashbacks. He assures Telemachus that Gaheris tried to warn him about the Rebellion, to Telemachus’ relief. Later, as Rommie and Dylan discuss the inventory of Tarazed’s fighter ships and attack drones, they are interrupted with the results of the election Ñ the people of Tarazed voted against the restored Commonwealth. Angry, Dylan plans to leave immediately. Rakel appeals to Dylan to stay just a few more days. Later, as Dylan contemplates his betrayal by yet another Rhade, four Maggog Swarmships are sighted in the outer system. Dylan commands the troops to stand down. Jamahl, in one of the Slipfighters, ignores the command and shoots down a swarm ship, colliding with space debris and causing his ship to explode. Andromeda AI informs the crew that the swarmships were dummies. They were launched from the Home Guard’s command center, Telemachus Rhade’s home base.

Meanwhile, the Home Guard troops mobilize in the capitol. Telemachus had faked the attack in order to mount a military coup. He appears on display and requests permission to come aboard. Dylan and Telemachus circle each other, both accusing the other. As they draw their weapons, Dylan slides in and out of flashbacks from his fight with Gaheris. The two lower their weapons, and come to the realization that the real enemy is getting away.

Andromeda AI uncovers evidence that Rakel has been planning for months to scout out Dylan and even resorted to faking a Magog attack to ensure victory in the election.

As Rakel’s bodyguards attack Telemachus, Dylan fights by his side. The bodyguards relent, and Telemachus puts Rakel under arrest. Later, at Jamahl's funeral, Telemachus confides in Dylan that he thinks he understands what happened to Gaheris. Dylan believes he might finally understand too.