Synopsis: Previous sections are Wages of Honor, Wager with the Clans, Trap of Imagination, and Trials of Loyalty. The Suomi Warders. lead by Major John Linna, have won half of their legal battle with the Draconis Combine. The fate of Chu-i Naoko Fujiwara still balances between the ComStar Review Board, Combine Council Heiro Taki, and her own heart. Meanwhile three assassins plan for their second attempt on John’s life while the Warders begin to realize the true nature of their hidden foe. Mixed into the distractions of trials and killers, the unit’s normal business must still go on. While Captain Woods and Lieutenant Fosters worry about the Major’s safety, Lieutenants Aukland and Jorgenson along with Sergeant Harding work to rebuild the ‘Mech lances.