When the system turns its back on the forgotten, Talon steps into the fire. David Wayne just wanted to repair his battle-scarred mech, Raven One--but life had other plans. A remote colony on Therasis begs for rescue, thieves and pirates plague the galaxy's shadows, and a brilliant scientist's research could save millions . . . or become a weapon that topples empires. His secret weapon? A fiercely protective, sometimes sarcastic AI named Tabitha. Together, they skirt the law with forged sedation logs, bribe corrupt officials, and hack Federation databases--all while rushing headlong into a war that corporate giants would rather keep hidden. Every skirmish earns Talon new allies--and new enemies. From Nexus City to the dunes of Therasis, David's ragtag crew goes where no legitimate mercenary outfit dares to tread. But how many rules will he break to shield those left behind by the system? And can Talon's newfound unity withstand betrayal from within? The galaxy's underdogs have one last hope: a mercenary team brave enough to fight for what's right. Will David's unstoppable bond with Tabitha spark a new era of freedom, or will it draw the ire of forces far more powerful than they can handle?