The Empire of Man has fallen to the Cabal. But while they may claim they represent Earth they don't. The true Earth forces are not what anyone expects and will come as a complete surprise to all participants in the war. Battle lines are drawn and deals are made as Empires face off against one another. Ambassador and Admiral Athena Lee has a problem. She is about to launch a secret attack against a vulnerable Earth and is in need of outside help. It's one thing to borrow ships from New Texas and planets on the fringe. But asking pirates to fight for freedom is one of her greatest challenges? Especially the one pirate that would see Athena drawn and quartered as soon as talking to her. Kate O'Malley lives and will fight to the death to protect what is hers! Join Athena, Dar, and Wilson on a grand adventure into the teeth of the enemy.