Is it the end, or a new beginning? No more hiding in the shadows. Arc has stepped into the light and assumed total control over Minos Station. His first act as the station's new ruler: crush anyone and everyone who dares stand in his way. His first victim: the Dorian fleet sent by the High Council to save Terran space. Yet, in the darkest hour for the Helion System, not all hope is lost. In the wake of the deep-space massacre, Daniel Ratemacher has managed to reach the survivors, bringing with him information that may be the key to turning the tied against their powerful foe. Gods, however, do not sit idly by. The destruction of the fleet was but the first step in Arc's masterwork. Now, he turns his focus in-system and his conquest of the Terran colonies. With the gate network down, no help is coming. A reckoning is coming, and malevolent AI has found humanity wanting. The board is set, and Arc has made his move. Is there anything our heroes can do to counter or has the game already been lost?