The lines. Mysterious yet familiar: the key to controlling every ship in the

galaxy. Once they were thought of as tools, but since linesman Ean Lambert

discovered strange new lines in an alien vessel, they have become so much

more—symbols of a power too great to ignore.

While the Crown Princess of Lancia seeks to share the new technology, her

father, the Emperor, has other plans. His latest political maneuverings seem

to be tilting the balance of control to Lancia’s favor—a move that not all

members of the New Alliance are looking upon favorably.

As tensions mount, Ean’s former shipmates must unite to avert a disastrous

conflict: the princess working within the tumultuous Alliance, Ean seeking the

help of the impatient alien ships, and Ean’s close friend and bodyguard,

Radko, embarking on a mysterious and perilous mission.

But the biggest threat comes from an unexpected source. Someone is trying to

take down the New Alliance from within—and will use anything, even the lines

themselves, to ensure its destruction…