"The Empire, in its refusal to be dissuaded from hostilities, have placed the fledgling Terran Allance and their Priminae Allies into a corner from which there seems no reasonable escape. Steph and his Archangels continue their mission deep within the enemy territory, posing as mercenaries and pirates to gain intelligence on the Imperial command but as they go deeper and learn more, little of what they gather seems good. The Imperial push for war has a deeper root than anyone expected, and Steph does not like what he is learning. While his young Protege and friend conducts one mission, Eric Weston is embroiled in another. His efforts have held the Empire at bay despite their tenacious attempts at probing into the space controlled by Earth and the Priminae, but he knows that it cannot last. The enemy has too many ships, and is willing to spend far too many lives to further their goals... but even Eric Weston is not ready for just how far this enemy will take things. The Empire has super weapons of their own. Peace can only exist so long as all sides are in accord... War, however, only requires one dissenter. "--Provided by publisher.