From the victorious ilKhan on Terra comes a simple instruction to the commanders left behind in the Wolf Empire: “Hold these worlds in my name.” With no further communication from Alaric Ward, Star Colonel Othar is left alone to face the ambitions of his subordinates and the assaults of his neighbors, and ensure the ilKhan’s realm remains inviolate. Hungrily eyeing their worlds lost to the Empire, now stripped of the Wolves’ best, factions within the Free Worlds League launch offensives across the border and risk carrying Nikol Marik into a war she may not be ready for. At her back, the Spirit Cats and Clan Sea Fox lair in their Clan Protectorate, eager to pursue their own ends. And out among the stars, the Wolf’s Dragoons [sic] and their new commander are on the hunt…