A colony world lost during the Downfall, Aramar is in a strategic spot between the Commonwealth and Conclave. Both galactic civilizations want Aramar to join them. Trouble is brewing, and the crew of "Sunsinger" is asked by the Commonwealth Council to go to Aramar and assist the Commonwealth's ambassadors. And help them escape if the trouble erupts into civil war. Lin is friends with the ambassador and his wife, so she and Bain stay at the embassy. They meet the two ruling families of the planet and Bain lands in a position to help when rebellion erupts across the planet. What he does will affect the Commonwealth and Aramar for decades to come.