Restored to her former state of health and determination, Lady Cecelia goes in search of fresh bloodstock-- she's had enough of politics. But once again she manages to put herself and Heris Serrano at the point where lightning will strike. This time it's invasion from the neighboring empire: The Benignity of the Compassionate Hand. Heris is only a civilian now, with a space yacht, what can she do in the face of a full-scale fleet of warships?