The Commonwealth fleet approaches the Andromeda, with weapons armed. Tri-Lorn contacts Dylan, and informs him that he is under arrest for treason, related to his refusal to surrender Telemachus Rhade and other incidents, and he must go to Terazed to stand trial. Dylan asks to talk to Tri-Jema, but his request is refused. Tri-Lorn indicates that he is willing to take Dylan by force, if necessary, and Dylan reluctantly agrees to go with him.

Rhade offers to surrender himself, to save Dylan and the Andromeda, but Dylan refuses to turn him in, and, in fact, says that he will hide Rhade from the Commonwealth.

Trance tells Dylan that he has betrayed the Commonwealth – while he has not betrayed the principles he has tried to build the Commonwealth around, he has acted against the Commonwealth's leaders.

Dylan arrives at Terazed for his trial, and finds Pish acting as prosecutor, with the three Triumvirs acting as judges – Tri-Lorn, Tri-Jema, and Tri-Camille, who has replaced Tri-Ortiz. Pish accuses Dylan of being allied with the Abyss and the Magog. He also brings evidence of Dylan breaking Rhade out of Commonwealth custody.

Dylan insists on speaking with Tri-Jema privately, and his request is granted. Tri-Jema tells Dylan that she is doing what she has to do to look out for her own position and interests. Dylan tells her that it is the Collectors, led by Pish, who are trying to get rid of her, but she insists that Dylan's actions are tearing the Commonwealth apart.

Commonwealth guards are on the Andromeda, but Harper and Beka are making plans. Harper provides a distraction, while slipping a flexi to Beka.

The guards attempt to seize Rommie for "reprogramming', but she resists. Tri-Lorn demonstrates to her that he is able to take control of the ship, and she decides to cooperate. She is taken to the trial as a witness, but refuses to provide evidence against Dylan until Tri-Lorn threatens to take it by force.

Pish presents evidence showing that Dylan lied about the Andromeda being damaged, and Dylan counters by accusing Pish of collaborating with the Nietzscheans, specifically Tyr. Pish further accuses Dylan of killing Citizen 8 and destroying the planet Samsarra.

Beka and Rommie discuss the situation. Rhade is still in hiding, and they all plan to support Dylan. Beka gives Rommie the flexi provided by Harper, with details of their plan.

Shig and Lipp-Sett testify against Dylan, despite his protests of their bias.

Pish provides a record of Dylan sending a courier to an undisclosed location, with the implication that this was against the best interests of the Commonwealth. He summarizes his case by saying that Dylan plays by his own rules, disregarding the Commonwealth chain of command. He claims that the Collectors are trying to save the Commonwealth, and Dylan is interfering with this.

Harper is called to the witness stand, and interrogated about File D. A record is presented where he explains how it could be used to wipe out the Commonwealth senate, and Pish notes that File D is currently hidden on the Andromeda. Harper evades all of his questions.

Pish accuses Dylan of the murders of loyal Commonwealth citizens, such as Eight, Kor-Kavo, and Shineoa San, as well as attacking the Commonwealth fleet.

Pish questions Trance, and accuses her of sharing Commonwealth secrets. She admits to "having her own way", but is evasive and even vaguely threatening.

Beka and Rommie prepare to put their plan into action, and bring Rhade out of hiding. The Commonwealth guards attempt to take Rhade into custody, but he overpowers them. They inform Dylan that they are ready to run, and the entire crew will support him, but Dylan insists on staying. He says that he cannot place himself above the law, and he needs to know how deep the corruption runs.

Beka is questioned by Pish, who brings up her 351 outstanding piloting violations, as well as her role in Abel Ladrone's jailbreak.

Dylan is on the stand again, and Pish brings up the destruction of Citizen Eight's ships. Dylan reminds him that Eight's confession was broadcast, but Pish claims to have no record of it.

Dylan is invited to tell his side of the story. He says that he fought to restore the Commonwealth, and that this trial is a mockery of it.

Dylan returns to his office and finds Tri-Lorn there. Tri-Lorn claims to be on Dylan's side, but tells him that he has been found guilty. However, Tri-Lorn tells Dylan that he has given the security codes for the Collectors' ships to Harper, and that he controls the others. He says that the Collectors are trying to take control of the Commonwealth, and says that they must be resisted, although he acknowledges that this will start a civil war.

Dylan offers to let any of the Andromeda crew who wish to avoid legal repercussions to leave the ship, but none do. The Collectors' ships arm weapons, but Rhade insists that they cannot fire the first shot, and Dylan agrees. The Collectors open fire, and Andromeda returns fire, fighting her way through them. Tri-Lorn's ships move in on the Andromeda, and Tri-Lorn contacts Dylan, wishing him luck, and escorting him out of the system.