An old war buddy catches up with Nolan at the same time a Castithan criminal with a history of violence enters the picture.

The town of Defiance is shocked when the remains of a leading businessman who went missing almost six years ago, are discovered hidden in the walls of the NeedWant.

After his caravan is viscously attacked in the badlands, a badly shaken Pottinger orders Nolan to hunt down and destroy those responsible. Nolan’s manhunt implicates one of Rafe’s miners causing tensions to explode.

Nolan races to save Tommy’s life and stop Irisa before her growing forces can put their devastating plan into motion. Meanwhile back in town, Amanda learns the heart-breaking truth about her sister’s murder leading to a daring showdown between Amanda and Stahma.

Amanda negotiates with the Omec, a new alien race, for the future of Defiance; and the Tarrs return to find much changed and their loyalties tested between the humans, the Omec, and the Votanis Collective. Meanwhile, Nolan and Irisa encounter a survivor of Votanis Collective atrocities that can aid their first strike against Gen. Rahm Tak's oncoming army.

Nolan, Amanda and Irisa search for a way to stop Kindzi from transporting more Omec to Earth; Datak tries to escape from an Omec compound; Stahma asks for forgiveness.