The First Civilization collapsed without cause and without warning a thousand years ago, leaving behind a galaxy at war as would-be empires attempt to rebuild the First Civilization in their own image.

Victor Selan fought one of those empires and lost. Abandoned after the defeat of his homeworld, Victor is rescued by the Old Man, an enigmatic figure in possession of the a fully operational First Civilization starship.

A starship that the Old Man wants Victor to command. All he has to do in return is agree to reunify the Galaxy.