Five years have passed since the murder of the Lord Marshal. His killers remain at large, fomenting monstrous plots that, if successful, will wreak havoc upon the citizens of Earth. It appears the authorities are no closer to apprehending those responsible and some wonder if their protectors are all they make themselves out to be. Despite appearances, the Guardians have been far from idle. Each nation’s resources and technologies continue to grow and flourish. Huge strides have been made in welfare and development. Other worlds have been prepared for colonization. And all the while, behind the scenes, the noose has been closing upon the fiends who committed such an atrocious act. When it finally snaps shut, the results are bound to be explosive, and the fallout, far-reaching. Only at the end do we see just how widespread the consequences will be. The future of Earth is at stake—and so much more.