Captain Ian Brooks, accused of failure to follow orders, must stand trial on the mighty Korolev Station, capital of humanity.

This is no simple trial, but a battle in a political power struggle within which he is only a pawn. Despite being aware of this, there is little he can do except try to survive with his honor and his commission intact. Yet the true target of the trial is something he never expected, something closer to him than he had expected . . .

On the Craton itself, a new election for mayor of the city-ship is taking place. While Brooks was originally elected to the role, there is question if he will win again - and if he loses, will the new winner be up to the task?