The conclave continually pressures the Imperium Empire by ousting peacekeepers and Radag mercenaries from imperial territories. This interdicts resources bound for Krackus worlds from the suborned races and exacerbates Imperium distribution protocols.

On Jegstrat, a populous Krackus world, declining grain shipments lead to favoring distribution to large companies. Saboteurs plan to slow production at Imperial Grains, the largest processing plant. The goal is to rebalance grain distribution, but the attack goes terribly awry, causing death and great damage.

On the empire's far side, the Liberation and its accompanying Trident squadrons deliver the next Helgart resident to the planet of Balgrade. The home world has a robust population, and the system offers rich resources. As such, large numbers of Krackus and Radags are widely distributed throughout the system.

Captain Mila Pappas and Salus, a SADE, sail a traveler to reconnoiter the Balgrade home world. Mila makes the decision to drop planetside, and the pairs tactics create chaos for Radag teams.

With the Quellers relatively safe, Julien focuses on the races living on the far side of a Queller anomaly. His immediate goal is to meet with the Freiots. However, Utilimats intend to resist Juliens visit with their warships.

On the Krackus home world, Presiding Executor Gaketorks efforts to convince the executors of the empires dire circumstances earn him the animosity of powerful individuals who believe the best thing for Imperium is to remove him from office permanently.