Darkness has a heart, and it beats for House Valadar. After months of deliberation, Ora Monroe has decided to cash in on the bounty given to her by Cali Vay-Lon. Per Cali's request, she enlists the services of the Vandal, minus its former captain, Markus Frost. Before giving Shift over, however, she has one question for him: "What is Cognis?" Little does she know that the Cognis drive-chip will soon be the least of her concerns. Cyrus Valadar, Don of the Great House of the Freyvian System has gained possession of an ancient artifact reputed to be the very heart of the Nethra's darkest god. At first, Ora wants nothing to do with this mysterious power. Then, as the Heart of Thule's capabilities begin to take shape, Ora is faced with a choice: intervene and take the Heart for herself, or risk whatever dark intentions Cyrus has for the future of Terran space.