Tanner Markham has established his city and his new order on Halcyon. The time has come to bring the other colonies into his sphere of influence. With the aid of his faithful and sentient AI, Magnus, he sets out to accomplish the task while revealing partial truths to his loyal companions. A decade of independence on Serenity has seen an evil influence gain control. A return to barbaric practices from the history pages of Earth's bloody past has resurfaced, ensuring Tanner and his crew have a battle on their hands.