Republic history shows that the science vessel Ulysses was claimed by a black hole whilst on a routine research mission. The truth is harder to swallow.

Already reeling from the loss of a security team under her command, first officer Sara May wants nothing more than an uneventful conclusion to their simple fact-finding duties. But when the Emperor sends his chief science advisor to rendezvous with the vessel, their expedition comes to a stand-still. Literally.

While their ship quietly orbits the planet Elysium, May has no cause to suspect that her Captain has become an unwilling participant in a crime that would shake the Republic to its core if it were ever revealed. But then she discovers the truth, and has to choose between doing the right thing or following the Emperor's direct orders. Her decision will have far-reaching consequences, and she doesn't have time to consider her options.

Set before the events in the highly-acclaimed novel 'Elysium's Shadow', this novella reveals the secret of what actually happened on the far-flung world of Elysium when it was first discovered. The Republic is determined to stand — but when Elysium awakens, justice will be sought.