Old spacer legends tell of a Space Pirate who discovered a terrible weapon - relic technology from a civilization long gone and far more advanced than anything that seems possible. When a number of remote colonies of the Sapient Union are attacked by pirates, the Craton is swiftly sent to provide aid and ward them off.  But these pirates claim to have discovered the terrifying relic technology once again, and there are signs that they might just be telling the truth. The crew of the Craton must investigate, find the truth of the matter, even if it means facing things that are far beyond their understanding.  Do the pirates really possess this long-lost technology?  Are the stories even true?  And if so, what cost will it claim?