The Shattering War

After twenty-two years in the service, Ray Hunter is a disgraced fleet captain, having put his crew and frigate in harm's way. He's about to get kicked out, but he is offered an enticing off-the-books proposition.

Admiral Weatherfew tells Hunter he has the right mix of experience in both command and administration, and he'd be a perfect fit for a black operation to build a force to counter the rising threat of the Parliamentary Ruling Council. If Hunter accepts, he's told not to fail or the world will be plunged into a dark age of despotism and mayhem, and millions will die.