In brief (for those who read the first part) - Dan survived, and is now trying to understand what to do in a situation where the star system was blocked by strangers, and they are doing what they want there. You will find out what happened to Chessie and Eri . And with the emperor. Who are synths, and what connects them with the Empire. And most importantly, where did the valuable cargo go, and why is it needed at all? And also - you will meet a character whom you definitely did not expect to find in this book.