They say it's always darkest before the dawn. How do you find the will to keep fighting when it just keeps getting darker?

The Royal Navy of the Inter-Planetary Commonwealth has been struggling for survival since the opening shots of the war. Just as it seems they will be able to gain equal footing with their enemies, the Federation and the Republics act boldly to push the Commonwealth to the brink of defeat. The Admiral of the Fleet sacrifices himself to stave off certain disaster. Will it be enough?

Despite these trying times, during a lull in the action, Perseverance Andrews and Saint John Powell try to find time to get married. The course of true love never runs smooth. On the eve of the ceremony, fate intervenes, dealing the lovers another serious blow.

And yet, through it all, the determination of the people of the Commonwealth stands firm. Men and women step up to replace those who sacrificed themselves. Those who managed to survive the grim early days of the war take the lead.

Will the deep-rooted resolve of the Commonwealth remain unshaken? Will they continue to fight the good fight in the face of terrible losses? Will our heroes live to see victory?