At first, Octavian Monarch seemed the spitting image of his deceased father. But when he tries to consolidate all the corporations under his leadership, his brutal opening moves trigger outright war. His tactics border on the insane, but his power is unchallenged by the automated minions he controls.

Darren Garfield must navigate his new position as head of Red Dragon, keeping Monarch at arm's length while not appearing to support Allied and his former colleagues.

Ted Becker tries to keep his team safe, but Debra Sheffield has other ideas. As they plunge into the most difficult battle of their lives, Ted has to wonder, who is really in command?

Worried about the whereabouts of her boyfriend, Captain Patricia Kipputh of the Pang Yu will have to choose between sacrificing her crew and accomplishing her mission.

And when mild-mannered Misa Kobato decides to retire, the universe decides otherwise. Thrust into wartime leadership, Misa will decide the fate of all humanity.