 LeConte explains that Hyperion is in a state of civil war, with the ruling party, the KrayTaks planning to wipe out the rebels with the use of a comet that they plan to crash into their colony.Bridger wonders why they could possibly need the "seaQuest"'s help, seeing as how the Hyperion natives clearly have more advanced technology, however, the natives explain that Hyperion was formerly a desert world with no underwater technology; which makes "seaQuest" as alien to them as their ship is to the "seaQuest" crew.The crew is not entirely sure of what to make of the situation, but they quickly come under attack by a ship that LeConte calls a "Kaden"; a warrior submarine.