2137. Man has colonised three new worlds; Earth's Moon, Mars, and the distant planet Taron. Colonial space traffic is the mainstay of SpaceFleet - an Earth-based organisation running science and passenger vessels, Spaceports and satellite stations.Captain Jol Markson of the starship London is an experienced and well-regarded Fleet officer; conventional, affable and dependable, he runs an efficient ship with an excellent crew.The political system of the day is based on colonial Government, a democratic and established system, but not without the potential spectre of corruption and unfulfilled ambition.Out of this system steps Retif Hodall, a man with dreams of ultimate power, and a network of allies to help him achieve it. Beyond that, it becomes clear that he has a valuable weapon.When the London is besieged by three ships intent on its destruction, it becomes Markson's job to find out what could possibly be causing the first recorded hostility in the history of SpaceFleet. After three failed attempts to destroy the London, Markson begins to learn that he and his crew hold the key to the future balance of power.