The investigation of the mysterious attacks on the Great Powers of the Orion Arm continues. While the Confederation seeks answers among the Anamilara and the Singruld and the Church tracks down a missing station for the Rivnyera, the other Great Powers are also busy. The Great Mind Threetgsh investigates unrest in a new member of the Empire. A peasant boy among the Bhom is swept up in intrigue in the royal caste. Herdmaster Sunish pursues the renegade Yud into the LystRa family. And Taran of the Kralk seeks vengeance against the strangers who have attacked one of his conquered worlds.