Sector 13

Cain is perhaps the most talented servant of the Emperor—and a lifelong prisoner of his “humble pride” and “courageous cowardice.” Each time he manages to survive by any means—true and not true—he becomes even more famous, and Cain’s reputation, ruthless as it is, tosses him into an even bigger slaughterhouse. Trying to save face and get out of it, Cain makes maneuvers no worse than those of Astaf Bendor. The most talented coward in the galaxy—a recognized hero.

And now, what began as mere paperwork has turned into the key battle for the fate of a planet.