Keith

Pelegrin Hale and Orelia Pendaline have escaped the perils of Kaletto. Now, their attention turns to settling the survivors on the planet Cirra. However, the transition isn't as smooth as they expect. Hale's feet have barely touched down when he starts planning how to rescue more excreants from the Imperium. But not everyone is ready to follow him.

After returning from the Soothmin planet of Ershyahnee Five, Pelegrin Hale puts the final pieces of his plan in motion to move refugees off Kaletto. Little do the Haven's leaders know that Tribunus Qweelin Mink has been working against them. But they're not her only targets; she's also attempting to undermine her commanding officer, Legatus Sedarious Kull.

Just when Pelegrin Hale had enough money to buy his way back into the Stratus, Princess Pend'Orelia sends her lerrick to ask Hale for a favor. What could go wrong? Meanwhile, Orelia decides to set off on a harrowing mission that will put her deep into enemy territory. Can she keep her identity a secret and still convince the Senate to re-write its laws?

For four millennia, the sixteen planets of the Imperium sector have served as a bastion of peace against the Chaosic Regions. The Imperium's legacy can be attributed to the formidable military power of the Stratus, the enforcers of the Supreme and the Senate. However, as is often the case with empires, it is the smallest cracks that threaten to shatter their foundations.