Kings' Cross

Zhis was a typical backwater planet associated with, but not a part of, the Empire of Man. Rob Wolcott's assignment there as part of the Marine contingent to the local Embassy was supposed to be a quiet time that could be used to work on his education, perfect his piloting and leadership skills, and prepare for advancement.

Unfortunately, someone else thought differently -- someone who wanted the Empire of Man off the planet, and within their control. The war against the Imperial contingent was low-key, but people were dying. The Empire, and Rob, specifically, had been targeted. So had the Universal Church, the most broadly-based charitable organization on the planet.

Both Rob and his best friend and brother-in-law, Steve, were caught up in an ever-increasing spiral of violence, more often than not pawns of others. Fighting for their lives, and for the safety and security of others, leads them into intrigue, discovery, adventure, and for Steve, a new romance. While Imperial Marines were trained to expect -- and deal with -- new challenges, Zhis was proving a greater challenge than either Rob or Steve had anticipated.