The People's Republic of Haven seems to have been decisively defeated - but the controlling party of the Star Empire of Manticore is determined not to let peace cause them to lose their grip on the centers of power. To insure this, they are dragging out peace negotiations with Haven to hold off new elections, and they have unleashed the politics of personal destruction on Honor Harrington. But they do not realise their stalling has strengthened the remaining belligerent elements in the Haven government, and given the Havenites times to secretly build a new warfleet.