Promoted early, Desmond McLaughlin and his mates are now full members of the Hegemony military, with all the rights and duties that rank includes.

Given the benefits of achieving the rank of full adept early, Desmond and company elected to be deployed aboard the battlecruiser Fist of Defiance, a ship that just happened to be part of the Seventh Border Fleet. The same fleet headed by a certain admiral whose daughter was saved by Desmond and his girls.

Now, though, away from the oversight of the academy ships, the reality of his place in the greater galaxy is even closer to home. With his girls at his back, Desmond must do his best to show his capability not only as an adept but also as the clan-male to the newly formed Clan McLaughlin.

Things are never as simple as they seem though, and events march ever forward throughout the greater galaxy. While Desmond’s team might be something special, they are only a very small piece on the very large board of Hegemony of Velvet Stars.

What fresh trouble will Desmond uncover? What new foes will rise up to face Clan McLaughlin? And will Desmond and his family be ready to face them?