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. Dissatisfaction with Theodora's policies increases year by year. Planning to get rid of Theodora, a cabal of army and navy officers finds a man in the Neutral Zone who could become the new heir to the throne.