The Galactic Barrier

Fearing that Species 10-C will retaliate for the destruction of the anomaly, President Rillak brings forward the first contact mission. She, President T'Rina and a group of diplomats board Discovery, which jumps to the edge of the galaxy and begins the dangerous passage through the barrier. Before contact is lost, Admiral Vance warns them that the new anomaly is closing in on Earth and Ni'Var. Meanwhile Book and Tarka need programmable antimatter to cross the barrier themselves, and visit Tarka's hidden supply in the abandoned prison where he was once held. Tarka reveals that a fellow prisoner, Oros, built a device to escape to a peaceful parallel universe. The two were separated, and Tarka hopes his friend made it. He has built his own version, which needs vast amounts of power: the real reason he wanted the anomaly's power source. After a punishing flight, Discovery emerges beyond the barrier and sets course for 10-C.