After becoming adjusted to life aboard Deepwater, the crew learns that they must go back into cryogenic hibernation to complete their maturation process.

The chain of command on the Deepwater is threatened when Bren learns that he has been chosen to be in charge of the ship, instead of the civilian Reb.

The crew encounters a ship exactly like the Deepwater---but piloted by an older Reb, who advises them to abandon their mission.