While vacationing on the world of New Eden, naval officer Kris Longknife finds business mixing with pleasure when she, due to her military status, must attend a social function, where she once again finds herself the target of unknown enemies who have a personal vendetta against her.

"Venice, a long time ago. Three prominent Venetians await their most loathsome and foul dinner guest, the erstwhile envoy from the Queen of Britain: the rascal-Fool Pocket.This trio of cunning plotters--the merchant, Antonio; the senator, Montressor Brabantio; and the naval officer, Iago--have lured Pocket to a dark dungeon, promising him an evening of spirits and debauchery with a rare Amontillado sherry and Brabantio's beautiful daughter, Portia....

"The job of a navy is to control and defend the seas around its country's shores, to keep the sea lanes open and safe for merchant ships, and to protect the country's interests overseas. The crew of a navy warship may be called upon to face danger in a hostile environment far from home. It takes courage, skill, and teamwork to do this job. It also requires professionalism and people who take pride in their work"--page [4] of cover.

For her own protection, Lieutenant Commander Kris Longknife is assigned to a backwater planet where her Fast Patrol Squadron 127 enforces immigration control and smuggler interdiction--and where she finds herself homeless, broke, and on trial for her life.