This is the fourth book in the Childers Universe. It is the prequel to Childers. THE COLONIES ARE REVOLTING Earth’s oldest colonies are no longer struggling outposts, they are vibrant, productive economies. They have become huge sources of income for Earth’s plutocratic ruling families. But Jablonka Planetary Governor James Allen Westlake VI and his childhood friend, mining magnate Georgy Orlov, see a brighter future down a different path. They recruit two eccentric academics, Gerald Ansen and Mineko Kusunoki, to create a new government for the colonies, that the colonies can split from Earth and seek their own destiny. They know Earth will fight the split. What will they do when the Earth Space Navy comes calling?