Twenty-five years have passed since the end of the civil war, which split the Astren Empire into two camps. Half of Astren's former possessions remained under the rule of rebellious aristocrats led by Grand Duke Daresh Kahn. In the metropolis, Empress Theodora Argenis rules, relying on the strength of mercenaries from Malluria - the best warriors of Inhabited Space. The neutral zone divided the domains of Daresh Kahn and Theodora. The main force in the Neutral Zone soon becomes the pirate clans, united under the rule of the ambitious and ruthless leader Leng Dauen. Dissatisfaction with the policies of Theodora Argenis increases year by year. Planning to get rid of Theodora, a powerful cabal of army and navy officers finds a man in the Neutral Zone who could become the new heir to the throne. But the Empress is aware of their intentions and sends her mercenaries to the Neutral Zone to thwart the plans of the conspirators.