On the planet Artemis, populated by militant feminists, Corinna shelters a runaway rebel who is being chased by Carmenya, a general in the army of the Dominatrix. This act leads her to the city of Silven Crescent in the service of Carmenya.

Corinna Trotgarden, her family and friends have left the marsh in the aftermath of "The Monstrous Regiment". Travelling north and settling in an area they name "Freespace", they are unaware that Artemis has been in contact with the rest of human space...