Political upheaval threatens to erupt into a war that will tear the Narvan apart. The alteration undergone by Vayen and his hunters may have saved everyone from the Arpex but it also created the possibility of bullet-proof soldiers. Vayen's fellow advisors will do anything to get that prize for themselves. Tensions are also high at home. Not only is Vayen's daughter not speaking to him, he's been stuck at home for weeks recovering from surgery and being smothered by Anastassia's efforts to keep him safe and healthy. Attempting to advise three worlds from his home office has him on his last nerve. Vayen slips out to search for a new bodyguard. A few strong drinks later, he ends up on a distant colony, busting up a slave operation. The adrenaline rush and possibility of having done something good to get back into his daughter's favor offers a momentary release. He even has a host of well-trained bodyguard slaves to pick from. He's also gained a new enemy, discovered his bond to Anastassia isn't what it used to be, and reawakened his old drug addiction. In spite of doing everything he can to be good, the public has labeled Vayen a mutant and a tyrant. To bring peace to the Narvan and beyond, he'll need to become exactly what they say he is.