Power shifts and the universe changes for the soldiers stationed on the Morrigan. After the revelation that the military had been usurped by Jerson Whitaker, Captain Markel must make a difficult decision. Should he defy the man or comply with his demand to return to confederate space? Meanwhile, their established base on Gallik is under attack. A group of scouts have been lost in the hills, and an enemy force musters at the gates. With the assistance of Major Oliver Peck, they have limited time to rescue their people and save their settlement from the mercenary forces bent on eliminating them. Erris and Rita receive an offer they literally can’t refuse, putting them in a tough spot. Can they trust the people offering them the universe? Or are they being set up as pawns in a game neither of them even understands?