Star of Damocles

The reach of the Imperium is vast, but must be constantly expanded if humanity is to prosper. Licensed by ancient charter, rogue traders explore the uncharted regions of the galaxy, seeking new worlds to exploit - for mankind has a rapacious need of resources. The fortunes of Lucian Gerrit and his family are in decline, and his inheritance amounts to little more than a pile of debt and misery. In a final desperate gamble to restore his family's former glory, Gerrit strikes a deal on a forgotten Imperial world in the Eastern Fringe, but his timing could not be worse. The t'au are seeking to expand their empire across the Damocles Gulf, and soon Gerrit is caught in the middle of a clash between two mighty star-spanning empires, neither of which is willing to back down.