A deeply corrupt and embedded ruling class, disenfranchised settlers, and embittered indentured workers–slaves in all but name–have poisoned the planet. They've unleashed the fires of class war and threatening to turn the beautiful planet into hell in the wake of Earthfall. Sinister forces are stirring the pot. Roland–once Crown Prince of Earth, now a Marine Auxiliary–was charged with building an army to stabilise New Doncaster, but it was too late. The rebels struck and the planet fell into civil war. Roland scored one victory, keeping the rebels from winning in a single blow, but the war is far from over. Rebel forces have swept over the outlying islands, destroying plantations, capturing infrastructure, liberating slaves while forcing their former owners to flee or die on the remains of their lands. Now, with both sides preparing for the coming contest, Roland – cut off from the Marine Corps – finds himself charged with leading the government troops, to launch a desperate military gambit to win a war against a rebel force that might have right on its side. And if his gambit fails, the entire planet may collapse into chaos.