Hunting pirates in the gravity-free sky was a simple enough life for Captain Ellie Nivkah, but her latest contract has become complicated. A mysterious ship appeared from nowhere, destroyed her bounty, and nearly blew her out of the sky as well. Now, with a damaged ship, injured crew, and few options, she has to accept a noblewoman's help and become embroiled in a conspiracy threatening both the empire she loathes and the skies she loves.