While the Crown Princess of Lancia seeks to share the new technology, her father, the Emperor, has other plans. His latest political maneuvers seem to be tilting the balance of control in Lancia's favor - a move that not all members of the New Alliance are looking upon favorably. As tensions mount, Ean and his former shipmates must avert a disastrous conflict - the princess working within the tumultuous New Alliance, Ean seeking the help of the impatient alien ships, and Ean's close friend and bodyguard, Radko, embarking on a perilous mission. But the biggest threat comes from an unexpected source. Someone is trying to take down the New Alliance from within - and will use anything, even the lines themselves, to ensure its destruction...