Things are heating up in the galaxy as the Union tries to find an edge in its conflict with the Republic. The war is becoming more of a reality every day: terrorists and rioters are cropping up as the disenfranchised take matters into their own hands. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Jayson finds himself caught in the middle of policial machinations he has no control over and fighting to stay alive. Traq is learning more about the galaxy than he imagined, and Vivian is struggling to come to terms with his gifts: he's like nothing she's ever seen before and she is afraid she won't be able to help him. Meanwhile, Abdullah is being asked to make a terrible choice. He is certain he knows what is expected of him, but it's a decision he isn't sure if he can live with. The war is beginning in full and billions of lives are at stake in the coming conflict, but right now it's still anyone's game to win.