In a Fleet full of "throw-backs", gifted descendants of genetically enhanced soldiers, none are more valued than those who can pilot a ship through the shunt of hyperspace. It takes special vision to see the golden light of the shunt and skill to find the thin blue lines leading to an exit. Dan was the best pilot in the Fleet until he refused to sleep with a Colonel and they used his addiction to the drug Haze as an excuse to kick him out. Now the Fleet wants him back to pilot a covert mission investigating rumors that the shunts are collapsing. In addition to a regular supply of Haze, they offer him the only other thing he wants, to be back in the shunt riding the blue. It's a risky mission. Not only is someone causing panic by spreading rumors about the shunts, but there's a hate group trying to discredit the throw-backs and the Fleet so many of them serve. Is it one of the four alien races not part of their alliance? How is a shipping company and its investors involved? But most importantly, what is Dan's connection to the pilot who recorded the only collapse of a shunt 180 years ago?

Much of this story revolves around Dan and his addiction. It's a sad situation. Almost all pilots use Haze recreationally, but only Dan became dependent on it. The Fleet would be willing to pay for rehab, but it carries a strong chance of blinding Dan and he won't risk it. Maybe it's an excuse, maybe not. The ethics of drug use are questioned here since older pilots gave it to him because their eyes are too sensitive to light, but they think Dan is weak because he became dependent on it.

What I liked best about this story were the alien races. There are three humanoid races allied with humans, as well as one enemy race that are all a big part of the story. The world building around their biology, culture, and shared histories is seamless and detailed. Their alliance was forged in war against their common enemy and all four races serve in the Fleet. There are also a couple of sub-plots and ethical issues about the AIs. These AIs are largely regarded as simple tools, but they are everywhere at every level. Just how intelligent and self-aware are they? Any AI who acts against their programming, or without the approval of the humanoids they work for, can be deleted, but does anyone really know what they are doing?

My only criticism is that the ending felt a bit weak. The action was slowly ramping up and then...our crew of heroes is only slightly involved in the final wrap up. That might be more realistic, but it's still not the most satisfying ending.