The pair have been in the wind aboard their ship, Boneshaker, since they uncovered a great conspiracy. The Cridal Premier, Seeladas Dalton, had been replaced by a cybernetic imposter and now Jacob has discovered that the deception goes much deeper. Leaders on Earth and even within the Eshquarian Empire are acting… odd. Even the commander of Scout Fleet, Admiral Marcus Webb, is not quite himself lately. Jacob and Tin Man now have no safe harbor, no support, and no idea what to do. If no one is who they seem… …who do you trust?