Honor Harrington's mission in the March system of the Silesian Confederation. Pursuing populist goals, the Manticoran government freezes the construction of new ships, reduces the size of the RMN and removes the most influential officers from command posts. Taking advantage of the weakening of the Royal Navy, the Anderman Empire intends to expand in the region of the Silesian Confederation. In these difficult times, Admiral Lady Harrington receives an appointment from the Admiralty to the March system, knowing full well that by doing so the new government is seeking to get rid of the unwanted commander. Indeed, in the event of a conflict, the first strike of the enemy fleet will fall precisely on this area of the Galaxy.