Earth rests within the iron grip of the Triumvirate. Suppression, surveillance, and manipulation are tools used to maintain and expand their power. Rebels and terrorists persist in a futile rebellion, and independent nations struggle to endure under political and economic pressure. On the brink of victory, the course of Earth is forever changed by an anomaly hovering over Mars.

In order to prevent the escape of the presumed-dead Sith Lord Darth Jadus, Cipher Nine allows him to launch his attack against his enemies. Now the Empire must deal with the consequences of his actions.