The galaxy is on the verge of war. A new devastating weapon has thrown the forces of Earth into chaos. Factions from Mars, Earth, Planet Fabulous, Luyten's World, and even rogue colonies, all vie for dominance. Amidst this tumult, Imperatrix Shauna Lone reigns supreme over her new Empire. She must decide if she will combine her forces with Mars, or if she will move alone in a high-risk assault against the final Stellar Corp strongholds on Earth. The last pawns have been put into place. Scenarios have been calculated. Battle lines have been drawn. Will the crew of the S.C. Applegate avert all-out war? Will the people on the Uranus colonies watch as Earth crumbles and they become helpless to stop the ravages of their enemies?