Time is running out for humanity to resist the dreaded Alkasen. The Worlds burn as tens of thousands of Swarmer vessels pour in from Dark Space. On the moon of Psyche, Lucian Abrantes, the Chosen of the Manifold, must start from humble beginnings, growing his single world into an empire. He must unite disparate factions, all of which don’t recognize his legitimacy. It’s an impossible task. But Lucian must rise to the occasion, focusing everything on gathering a fleet capable of challenging the Alkasen advance. The question of humanity's survival will be decided above the skies of Earth itself.