Marquis Reinhard von Lohengramm effectively disrupts the Free Planets Alliance by having former Rear Admiral Arthur Lynch perform a coup on Heinessen using Reinhard's strategies. Lynch urges Admiral Dwight Greenhill to lead the National Salvation Military Council in overthrowing the civilian government. Admiral Yang Wen-li, however, challenges Lynch's actions by defending democracy and the Alliance's constitution. Unfortunately, this puts him in conflict with his fellow citizens, including Lieutenant Frederica Greenhill's father. With the Free Planets Alliance distracted by internal affairs, the Galactic Empire easily suppresses the Lippstadt League under Duke Otto von Braunschweig's leadership. Reinhard relies heavily on Vice Admiral Paul von Oberstein's advice, while Siegfried Kircheis, his trusted subordinate, battles noble-controlled frontier regions. As both sides face inevitable violence in their battles, both Yang Wen-li and Reinhard von Lohengramm question how history will view their actions. They both wonder if the ends justify the means.