A coalition of a dozen lesser worlds has decided to secede from the Confederation, leading to a brutal war focused in Ravennette, where a large Army garrison was located.

General Allistair Cazombie, an ally of the Marines and a highly decorated former enlisted man, forcefully removes General Jason Billie from power with the support of the Marines, after these are ordered on a mission with the sole purpose of destroying their force - Billie was worried they would steal his glory.

Jason Billie tries to go to court against the Confederation administration and the generals who deposed him, but loses once the facts are made clear, and commits suicide.

Publishers Weekly in their review said "readers looking for accounts of futuristic combat that depict realistically the psychology of men in battle need look no further.

"[1] Roland Green reviewing for Booklist said "more of the usual good stuff for military sf buffs from two master depicters of grunts at war, which Sherman and Cragg themselves once were.