"Chain of Attack" stands well on its own, and it is not necessary to read this book to "complete" the story told there. This book, on the other hand, would make significantly less sense if one had not previously read "Chain of Attack". Less, but not none; it is possible to read this book without that one, and simply to assume that the backstory is one that hasn't been told. This story can, in fact, stand on its own.
Which is good, because it's an extremely good story; the regular characters are handled well, a couple of new characters that are added for spice are interesting and worthwhile, and the story itself is a fast-moving, well-paced story that is very well written. It's one of the best "Enterprise saves the universe as we know it" stories that I've ever read; it actually manages to be almost plausible.