Book excerpt: Exarch Damien Redburn has called for the election of his replacement. Paladins assemble from all corners of The Republic, and those vying to be elevated are creating a lively nomination process. But machinations behind the scenes threaten to turn the election into a bloodbath... Paladins Heather GioAvanti and Jonah Levin are both conducting investigations into suspicious activities swirling around the edges of this high-level gathering. The leads they follow repeatedly intersect, and it becomes clear that more than one group intends to disrupt the election of the Exarch. Through political influence, assassination or rebellion, each of these cabals ultimately seeks to place their own man or woman on the Exarch’s seat—and whoever controls the Exarch, controls The Republic. But Damien Redburn refuses to allow his successor to be a puppet. He is willing to throw a few 'Mechs and a secret agent or two at the situation to get the result he wants—even if what he wants may be a surprise to his operatives.