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 seek to place its own man or woman on the exarchs 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 suprise to his operatives.