A class one medical emergency summons the Enterprise to the Federation outpost Tanis. There, a grisly surprise awaits them. Two of the lab's three researchers are decade, their bodies almost entirely drained of blood. There are no clues. No records of their research. No remnants of their work.

There is only the oupost's sole survivor, Dr. Jeffrey Adams. A man with a secret that will rock the very foundtions of Star Fleet...and a terrible, all-consuming hunger that will bring death to the crew of the Starship Enterprise.