After the collapse of the Coalition, the Inner Cluster is besieged by new and old threats. In the power vacuum left by the destruction of the skip network, a new military force called the Black Sun has taken form and is rampaging across human space. Meanwhile, old hatreds are flaring up in the Inner Cluster and threatening their social cohesion and peace. Finally, danger from the void of space has made itself known. Khalihl and Meiind must fight both the demons of human nature and the demons in their own hearts and minds if they are going to survive the storm of violence, hatred, and ignorance swirling around them.