The authority of the Syndicate Worlds' government is crumbling. Civil war and rebellion are breaking out in many star systems despite the Syndic government's brutal attempts to suppress disorder. Midway is one of those star systems, and leaders there must decide whether to remain loyal to the old order or fight for something new.

CEO Artur Drakon has been betrayed. The Syndic government failed to protect its citizens from both the Alliance and the alien enigmas. With a cadre of loyal soldiers under his command, Drakon launches a battle for control of the Midway Star System--assisted by an ally he's unsure he can trust...

CEO Gwen Iceni was exiled to Midway because she wasn't ruthless enough in the eyes of her superiors. She's made them regret their assessment by commandeering some of the warships at Midway and attacking the remaining ships still loyal to the Syndicate empire. Iceni declares independence for the Midway Star System on behalf of the people while staying in charge as "President." But while she controls the mobile fleet, she has no choice but to rely on "General" Drakon's ground forces to keep the peace planet-side...

If their coup is to succeed, Drakon and Iceni must put their differences aside to prevent the population of Midway from rising up in rebellion against them, to defend Midway against the alien threat of the enigma race--and to ferret out saboteurs determined to reestablish Syndic rule...

*Catherine Asaro, Nebula Award-winning author of Carnelians