In an effort to increase their control over the Jewell subsector, the Imperium have appointed a duke to oversee Imperial interests. This move has caused political friction with the Zhodani who have since restricted trade to their worlds. With rumours that an archduke will be also be selected to govern the Deneb system, the Zhodani have cut of diplomatic relations. Imperial agents suspect that the Zhodani now plan to deploy a new super weapon forcing the duke to strengthen his borders and military outposts. With tensions running high, only the bravest travellers remain in business demanding higher fees for their services. Making the most of this opportunity, the players take on a passenger who pays them a handsome fee for their services. As he disembarks their ship he is shot by an unknown assailant. In his dying breath he whispers 'They must be stopped. Deliver my message.' To their horror, the players are framed for the murder and are on the run and they are plunged into a world of conspiracy and danger. Following the trail from one world to the next, the players unravel the mystery of their dead passenger and a deeper plot begins to reveal itself.