J. Steven York Knihy

After his victory of New Aragon, Duke Aaron Sandoval has the embattled Republic in his debt. But Sandoval's hidden agenda has more to do with his own power than any loyalty he ever had to The Republic of the Sphere. He'll spare no expense to achieve his ultimate goal.When the Duke becomes the target of an assassination attempt, he realizes that his efforts to build a coalition against the invading House Liao are failing. Many planetary governors prefer capitulation to war. What he needs is a new ship and a new approach.To launch his campaign, Sandoval sends his nephew Erik, fresh from the front lines, to Shensi. His job is to convince the governor to join his uncle's alliance instead of making peace with Liao. Although Erik is honored to be the Duke's strong right hand, he's convinced that his uncle's arrogance is getting the better of him. But what Erik doesn't yet realize is that his uncle will sacrifice anyone to achieve his dreams of glory...

The Raging Bears have begun their occupation of the planet Vega with the hope of restoring order on a planet beset by violence and civil ruin. But their bold move to stabilize Prefecture I for The Republic of the Sphere may prove to be the chance their enemies have waited for...While the military takeover of Vega was no great challenge, setting up a new planetary government and restoring the infrastructure of civilization have proven to be far more difficult for the peacekeeping forces of the Rasalhague Dominion. There remains an underground resistance that refuses to cease fire, and the Bears suspect that the Draconis Combine is secretly supporting the rebellion. As the Combine threatens them from without, the Bears also find themselves plagued by betrayal and deception from within. Unless they can expose the rival elements in their clan, they may end up as fodder for destruction...