Stardate: 44429.6 A highly respected and decorated Starfleet captain, Benjamin Maxwell, has turned renegade without explanation. With his ship, a Nebula-class science vessel called the Phoenix, he is attacking numerous Cardassian vessels and outposts along the border. His actions are threatening the fragile peace that exists following the Federation-Cardassian war.

However, transporter chief Miles O'Brien served with Maxwell on the Rutledge. Both Picard and Starfleet Command hope that O'Brien can convince his former commanding officer to stand down before it become necessary to destroy his ship.