Despite her standing as a hero of the Regular Space Service, Lt. Esmay Suiza returns to school for additional command training, only to find that her reputation has garnered not only powerful friends but even more powerful enemies. When religious fanatics capture the reckless daughter of a powerful galactic leader, only Esmay has the skills to attempt a daring rescue despite a smear campaign designed to implicate her in the crime. Set against a background of galactic dynasties and rogue planets, the sequel to Once a Hero continues the adventures of an engaging and resourceful protagonist.