The Imperium grip is slipping, thanks to Will’s unexpected ability as a Void Drifter. But in revealing his abilities, Will may have put his home planet, a backwater most of the galaxy didn’t even know existed, on the frontlines. But Earth is not as defenseless as it seems. An enigmatic billionaire, aware of the true nature of the Imperium’s galactic menace, has been secretly building a defensive fleet. Still more fleets have been secretly constructed in the far reaches of the galaxy. It’s up to Will and the crew of _Phaelon _to convince disjointed rebels, corporate criminal syndicates, and his fellow humans that the time to stand against a bloodied but angry empire is now. Even with the courage of an Astradian, the brains of a Foris and Drayth, and the brute strength of a Vorvak… they will need help. The crew must awaken Benegal, a dangerous terrorist still in cryosleep aboard the Phaelon. How willing can the prisoner be to help the very people who captured him, even after four thousand years? The survival of humanity is on the line and Will Kaufman is too stubborn and determined to let things go any other way than victory… Even against an awakened empire.