Dr. Roland Arkaeo wants to return to his quiet life as a researcher.

The discovery of the Deity's Ichor, which should have been a scientific victory, quickly became a bureaucratic and political nightmare. He was almost relieved when the F.

W. A.

council confiscated the Ichor and classified any record of his involvement. He could finally get back to a regular routine.

Somewhere across the system, Vance Excursor is a desperate fellow. He seeks out his former compatriot, Roland, to aid him in a life or death mission.

Neither of them knows that this quest will force both of them to face inner demons each thought he had suppressed and pit them against the most dangerous individual in the Corsair System. Meanwhile, the F.

W. A.

and Holy Mother Church stand at the precipice of war, with machinations on both sides dragging each faction towards a devasting conflict. Decisions are being made on both sides that place millions in jeopardy.

Unknown to both factions, a sinister fringe element with aspirations of its own lurks in the cosmic shadows. Vance and Roland face an impossible choice.

Can they save one life in particular without damning the galaxy in the process?. .