Set on the USS Banting a simple Science Vessel, Excelsior Class (Salem A), is exploring the gamma Quadrant through bajoran wormhole. Things go wrong and stellar cartography link is damaged beyond repair (so they can't find the wormhole or let the federation know where they are) then the Banting is propelled away from the wormhole and can't find a way back, warp drive is almost gone and takes 2 weeks to repair! During their stay they make friends and enemies, but the Banting must find a way back... but on the way uncovers a plot led by the Mertepians to overthrow the balance of power in the galaxy!