Unable to reconcile their differing goals, SVF and the Apeilous are on course for a violent split. Powerful voices in SVF are calling for secession. The Apeilous will not allow it. Augustus Felix Fortuna has watched from the sidelines for too long. Calling on every ally, he launches a daring plan to try and sway his state from the warpath.

All the while, Augustus must keep to the shadows, living aboard Chancer and only showing his face when absolutely necessary. He is being hunted by the Apeilous Central Navy’s 9th Fleet, led by the relentless and brilliant Captain Aelia Sunn. This game of cat and mouse comes to a head in the most dramatic space battle of the series: The Chancer faces off against Sunn’s infamous Rogo Mach.