Time and everything else are running out for the Empire. In fact, it's already running on fumes. Before the last grain of sand falls from its hourglass, each person will have hard choice to make. Some will shut their eyes to the inevitable. Others will choose to reject catastrophe. But even if they're doomed, there's no point in going down quietly. Beneath her mask of patriotism, Tanya vows to do whatever it takes to avoid going down with the ship.