Three people might be the only thing standing between the Hundred Worlds and extinction. There is a rumor of war. It is whispered between drones in their binary speech and sung in operatic ciphers for the ruling class. Munitions pile up, tensions rise, and passengers on starships can watch the end times happen through their windows. Cassidy is a smuggler. She won't let the end of the world stop her from delivering the goods. SA-21 is a drone. They don't know it yet, but they're going to get the chance to save everyone. Vilman is a senator. He is going to make the situation so, so much worse.