Resisting the cruel, conquering machine of the mighty Terran Empire, the Orion Star Cluster locks its fledgling navy in combat with one of the most brilliant Terran admirals in its history. But Orion's only chance rests with a discovery made by a young Imperial cruiser commander named Traci Ganner.

In a routine pirate patrol, Ganner discovers a new world defended by Strike Fighters; a technology neither the Terran Empire nor Orion Clans possess. In a bid to save them both, Ganner devises a cunning plan, a plan that will come with a terrible price. To succeed, she must secretly unleash an unthinkable force and continue to stay one step ahead of everyone until it is time to reveal the truth. She is pitted in a game of wits against the highest levels of Imperial Command, including the Emperor himself, in order to save her own life, and those she cares for.