Following the death of'Carnor Jax'in the first'Crimson Empire'series, the Empire'suddenly finds itself devoid of a strong leader. The'Interim Councilis assembled to manage the affairs of the Empire until a new emperor can take the throne, yet something is amiss. Assassinations begin to whittle down the numbers of the council, causing panic and suspicion. Increased raids on otherwise "safe"'Rebel'trade routes arouse concern within the'New Republic. And just where, exactly, has'Kir Kanos'gone?