In the time of the Federated Worlds combat and commerce are the domain of a rough and tumble group of rocketmen known as the Service. These brave souls form the backbone of the interstellar economy, riding rockets to all corners of the Milky Way and her neighboring galaxies. Another part of that economic system is Interplanetary Holdings and their newest installation is Aelous Station, a secure facility located deep within an area of space known as The Crux where faster than light travel is impossible. Being one of the Service's most formidable commanders Captain Tarsik of the R.S. Honshu isn't one to allow his feathers to be ruffled, that is until he steps foot on Aeolus and finds himself in the midst of a trap set by an adversary he'd thought long vanquished.