Book excerpt: As a reward for her loyalty and cunning, Katana Tormak has been granted the rank of Warlord of Dieron—a somewhat dubious position of honor. For even as she is given her new title, she is also given a nearly impossible task to prove her worth—a task that may usher in a new era of interplanetary chaos... Barely three generations ago, the Draconis Combine ceded control of dozens of planets to The Republic. But now, after Exarch Jonah Levin removes his protection, these same planets are left to fend for themselves. Some go on as if nothing has changed, while others find themselves used as pawns in a deadly game of territorial sovereignty. These are the planets Katana must take over if she is to reestablish the historic Dieron Military District. If she can manage this with minimal resources and the very subtle support of the coordinator, then she will become a full-fledged warlord of House Kurita. But Katana's enemies see the ensuing confusion as a chance to destroy her once and for all...