A small victory in a nasty little skirmish launches Lieutenant Maximillian Woodridge Shaw into a series of unforeseen events. The seas of Octuoe will take him from the frigid Cold Stream Islands to the equatorial waters of the Atoll. Tasked to temporarily command the ship of a dying captain, Max must fend off ruthless enemies at sea, saboteurs ashore, and political foes back home. He must navigate his way and lead his sailors and marines through deadly ship-on-ship action and bloody close-quarters combat. Surviving isn't enough. The Colonial Navy doesn't forgive failure. To climb the ladder, you have to do the wet work. Never mind, though, the sea will wash away the blood.