A man on the run, Walter de Mesnil has found sanctuary with the mercenary company Angleton's Angels, who have taken an unusual mission on the planet of Maldives, in the nascent Aurigan Coalition. Their job is to train the heir of the planet in BattleMech operation, enough to allow him to survive a "mission" in the wilderness as part of his ascension to rule.

But 'Mech battlefields have nothing on the sinister plots and machinations of a ruling class to keep what they have—or the simmering rage of an oppressed population. And when rebellion erupts on Maldives, Walter's jaunt into the forest becomes a deadly fight for survival…and if he doesn't return the heir apparent back in one piece, the next grave will be his own…