(January 17, 3037) Solaris VII is the Inner Sphere, and Kai Allard-Liao is its Champion, a veteran of the war against claimants to his crown. There is no other place he would rather be. Then the political realities of the Feral Commonwealth invade Solaris. Ryan Steiner, sworn to depose Victor Steiner-Davion, arrives on Solaris to organize an uprising. Tormano Liao, Kai's uncle, redoubles his efforts to destroy the Capellan Confederacy, Victor Davion intends to avenge the murder of his mother. In one short month, Kai's past, present and future crumble, forcing him to do things he doesn't want to do. If he succeeds, no one will ever know about it - but if he fails, he will have the blood of billions on his hands.