Although book 4 is part of the Black Guard series, it can be read as a Standalone novel.Outpost and their allies, Lariw and Valhall, are close to solidifying the Helix Alliance, their first step in achieving their decades-old goal of annihilating Jax.The Alliance, which Jax refuses to join, will allow the Outpost led alliance navy to hassle Jax’ merchants with the intention of eventually provoking an incident that will lead to war – a war Jax cannot win against a larger alliance navy. A nightmare scenario, since Outpost secretly intends to commit genocide against the Jax.The Jax Military Committee decides to sends General Noam, their most innovative member, on a sabbatical to devote his efforts to finding a solution to their dilemma. He returns two years later with a radical idea – but can it be developed in time, can it be kept a secret, can the Jax navy adjust, and most important, will it work?It’s a all or nothing — survive or perish — gambit.