This sequel to the TOS episode "Mirror Mirror" picks up the story in the alternate universe immediately after. Spock plans to rebel against the Empire in a quest for peace, but first must plot against Kirk to take control of the Enterprise.
After an explosion on the bridge resulting from a failed attempt to isolate the ship's computer from a nano-virus, Kirk and McCoy wake up to find themselves in the middle of one of America's bloodiest conflict.
Kirk has to choose between Spock and a competing female officer for captaincy of another starship, but issues of competence in the role as well as gender issues cause difficulties.
The enterprise becomes trapped on the edge of a rift in space where alternate universes meet and Kirk finds himself having to contend with a ghost from his past and danger in the present.