The novel is set in a distant future where humanity has colonized other planets and formed the Imperium of Man. The story follows a group of characters who are part of the Imperium's military and government, struggling to maintain order and stability in a vast interstellar empire. As tensions rise between different factions within the Imperium, a series of catastrophic events threatens to destabilize the entire system. A mysterious force known as "The Enemy" begins to infiltrate and disrupt the Imperium's defenses, leading to widespread destruction and chaos. The protagonist, a skilled military officer, must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between different factions within the Imperium in order to uncover the truth behind The Enemy and prevent its destruction. Along the way, he encounters a range of characters who are struggling to survive in a world on the brink of collapse. Throughout the novel, themes of power, corruption, and the nature of evil are explored as the protagonist grapples with the moral implications of his actions and the consequences of his decisions. The novel is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of a sprawling interstellar empire on the verge of collapse.
By Keith Laumer · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 15 chapters