The book starts off three weeks after the end of the Clone Wars and the declaration of the new Galactic Empire under the new Emperor Palpatine's rule. Darman and his brother Niner, who has healed from his spinal injury on the night of Order 66, are now under the rule of Darth Vader's 501st Legion. The purpose of Vader's organization of clones, remaining loyal to the Empire after the Clone Wars, is to hunt down and kill any remaining Jedi, especially Jedi Masters and maybe Jedi Knights, but also to bring back Padawans for the Emperor's Hand to train as dark side users. Along with this Jedi-hunting objective is to hunt down for any Jedi sympathizers and clone stragglers whom have left Palpatine's rule, such as the clone members of Clan Skirata. Darman is having an inner struggle with himself