Shiva Kiran and Zokar Rizian are living in a changed galaxy. The Galactic Union is rebuilding its fleet, led by a furious Empress hell-bent on avenging the destruction of her battle fleet by the humans. Earth and the Fey alliance are battling for existence on the edge of a galactic empire which wants them obliterated. But old alliances within the empire come back to haunt Zokar Rizian, and he finds himself on the outer with his captain.