|
The movie opens with a 27th century equivalent of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. A Kilrathi fleet launches a surprise attack on Pegasus colony, a Confederation asteroid base which houses fleet command as well as things like artificial beaches for R&R. A Mandarin (who happens to be a ‘Pilgrim’, a type of human who has the genetic ability to manually travel navigate jump points) and a Kilrathi warrior steal Pegasus’ navigation computer before the entire station is destroyed by the Kilrathi fleet. Using the data from the navigation computer the Kilrathi gain the ability to strike directly at Earth itself.
Admiral Tolwyn sends an encrypted message to recent TCSNA graduate and half pilgrim 2nd Lt. Christopher Blair onboard the TCS Diligent. Blair and fellow graduate Todd "Maniac" Marshall are traveling with the Diligent’s commander Captain James "Paladin" Taggart to their first assignment, onboard the strike carrier CSS Tiger’s Claw. Taggart recognizes Blair’s ability and allows him to pilot the Diligent through Scylla, a dangerous secret jump point. Although he almost destroys the transport during the trip, Blair spends shaves the mission’s duration from six months to only three minutes.
Onboard the Tiger’s Claw Blair meets Jeanette "Angel" Devereaux, his Wing Commander., Tiger’s Claw Captain Jason Sansky and XO Paul Gerald. Gerald is particularly vocal in his disapproval of Blair’s genetic background. Paladin moves the Tiger’s Claw through a jump point to a small brown dwarf system, and to Blair’s first meeting with the Kilrathi. While patrolling an asteroid field, Blair and Angel destroy two Kilrathi fighters performing recon work in the area. Sansky orders Angel to continue to search the area, but nothing is found. Expecting a trap, Paladin orders the pilots to return to the Tiger’s Claw.
It is soon discovered that there is a traitor onboard the Tiger’s Claw herself. Through the course of the movie the Tiger’s Claw will come under attack, and Blair and company will board a Kilrathi ship. The movie climaxes with the destruction of a Kilrathi Snakeir carrier.
| 
