Ten years after the devastating war against the Dread Lords, the ruthless Drengin Empire and their mechanical Yor allies dominate the galaxy, having exterminated or enslaved most of the races that once stood against the ancient enemy. Earth survives in isolation, sealed behind a protective Precursor shield. In 2242, the Terran First Fleet returns from a pocket universe armed with advanced technology and a mission to break the siege, liberate humanity's allies, confront the enigmatic Thalan, and dismantle the Drengin hold on the Sol system. Lifting the shield unleashes a rebuilt Terran fleet into the stars, setting in motion a sweeping campaign for the fate of the galaxy.