An ancient empire collapsed, and humankind was enslaved and nearly wiped out. But the last emperor managed to leave behind a legacy that could restore to people their lost strength and influence. At the same time, a new danger emerges—quasi-living mechanisms that cannot tolerate proximity to organic life. Now all biological species in this sector of the armada stand on the brink of extinction. What will the heir—along with the emperor awakened into life—do? You’ll learn on the pages of this story.