The expansionist, superhuman Presidency led by ruthless chieftain James Dizek is developing a revolutionary new starship engine which could permanently alter the balance of power in Settled Space. His cruel cybernetic allies the Centrix have their own sinister agendas. Warrior monk Tancred Lindarion is obsessed with finding Dizek. He leads the crew of the starship Fortuna to a remote colony world where Dizek has established an extensive operation, determined to shut him down. Tancred's team encounter many difficulties. Dizek's base is well hidden and well defended. The exotic matter he uses in his engines affects people's health and warps the nature of reality. Matters are further complicated when the crew discover they are not the only ones investigating Dizek's operation. The Prometheans, genetically engineered transhuman hybrids, are also snooping around. When Tancred agrees to form an unlikely alliance with these ancient enemies to stop Dizek, divisions emerge which threaten to destroy his team.