In "Humiliation," Michael, crown princeof the Space Empire, finds that he is not alone in his quest to build anadvanced deep-space battle-ready vessel. Mysterious ships bearing scarlet crosses pursue his convoy and exposeconspiracies against the Space Empire from within and without.Michael's adoptive brother Randolph follows him to exile on Earth and asummer of biblical teaching at Jonathan Edwards' camp meetings.Forbidden romance leads to tragedy, political turmoil, and a meetingwith representatives of Earth's mysterious Fourth Empire. In "Repentance," Michael reconciles with his father but must find a wayto save the Palace, Randolph, and the earth woman Aidan from theattacks of the Church and Earth's hopelessly corrupt system.In "Sanctification," treachery closes in on all sides. Michael makesshattering decisions that may save or destroy the Space Empire's lasthope for the future.