In a troubled duchy on the periphery of the Empire, an independence movement has taken root. Its adherents want to sever all ties with Earth, her empire and the Church! Social unrest is spreading quickly and dangerously as imperial loyalists and the independence seekers clash with escalating violence. The emperor fears the outbreak of a civil war that may embroil neighboring systems into a wider conflict, endangering the Pax Imperator.

The Third Fleet of the Imperial Navy is dispatched to the troubled duchy. Zephyrinus Zapatas and his fellow marines are charged with helping the loyalists re-establish order and stamp out the independence movement before it spreads any further. The rebels, however, are many, well organized and, prepared to fight tooth and nail to the bitter end.

Meanwhile, from far beyond the empire’s borders, an ancient enemy returns. Nearly forgotten, dismissed as legend by many, the ancient foe arrives, catching the Empire unawares. Their agenda: Genocide! The Empire must suddenly pivot from fighting a virulent, political ideology to facing an existential threat.

Billions of lives are at stake.

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