Kris Longknife had no choice about growing up rich and pampered. When she did have a choice, she joined the Marines. But now, a friend needs help halfway across the galaxy-and with a military heritage coursing through her blood, it's time for Kris Longknife to be a hero.

Lieutenant Commander Kris Longknife and her crew work to take down the pirates and slavers who are preying on millions of suffering refugees, especially after slavers kidnap a young girl, making the task personal as well as political.