Seduced by the Galactic Empire's promises of unity and change, the planets of the galaxy and the hearts of their people fall under the Emperor's control one by one... Sharing a love of ships and an admiration for the Empire, childhood friends Thane Kyrell and Ciene Ree enroll in the Imperial Academy in hopes of realizing their dreams of joining the fleet. The more they learn, however, the more their loyalties -- to the Empire and to each other -- are put to the test. Will Thane and Ciena's friendship -- or even they themselves -- survive the trials ahead?