"Fast-paced military SF... Intriguing aliens and intricate plotting." Publishers Weekly Disillusioned with the Confederation of Sentient Beings, a so-called 'peaceful' alliance of alien species, Gunnery Sergeant Torin Kerr has left the corps to start a new life with Salvage Operator Craig Ryder. But pirates threatening salvage operators' lives and livelihoods mean that civilian life is a lot rougher than Torin had expected. When they attack Craig's ship the Promise, kidnapping Craig and leaving Torin for dead, she enlists the help of a few old friends to conduct a rescue. Along the way she discovers why the salvagers are being targeted, and her mission suddenly has the potential to change the balance of power throughout known space...