Great Houses rule the galaxy, ruthlessly enforcing their monopolies using tethered Minds and militias armed with fearsome weapons. House Dourian controls access to the gates, the mysterious alien artifacts that stitch the galaxy together. Renny is running from the ghosts of his past, afraid his dangerous secrets will catch up with him. Raised by Minds, humans baffle and frighten him. All he ever wanted to do was make art, but now some of his bad decisions have caught up with him. He must find a way to confront his fears and learn to forge a new family. The crew of the Kintsugi become entangled in a dangerous House plot that may end their fragile independence or their lives. Beset by an array of forces beyond their control, can they find their way through? Can the haunted artist help them? Or is he just bringing more trouble to their door?