Daniel Hankerson never wanted to be the Emperor.He was perfectly happy as a normal intelligence officer, analyst and poker player. But fate never asks what you want.Now, after the biggest defeat in the history of the Central Imperium, Daniel is isolated aboard the communications ship, and for months he can only broadcast to his Imperium and listen to the news of mounting losses.His enemies continue to chase him and they have their own plans for controlling the Imperium. And for them to do that, Daniel Hankerson must die.