In the past, Brak was a powerful landing ship in the service of Lord Radch's exorbitant colonizing ambitions. Now, having received a simple human body, she became a fleet captain at the remote base of Athoek, where she managed to gain respect and power. Protecting the interests of the inhabitants of the base, Brack is ready to confront the political intrigues of its leaders, negotiate with the mysterious and dangerous Presger aliens and dive into the secrets hiding on the other side of the Phantom Gateway. However, the real threat comes from Anaander Miannai, the ruler of Radch, who has split into several entities and is fighting against herself. The stakes are high, and in order to enter into a decisive battle with her main enemy, Brack will need any allies whose support she can enlist.