Earth barely survived the 21st Century.

Now, in the 22nd, after unifying Earth, the UN controls all human colonies scattered through the galaxy by means of wormholes, warpdrive ships, and ruthless operatives. Operatives working to strengthen the UN.

Or destroy it.

Now, in the 22nd, after unifying Earth, the UN has rediscovered the colony of Minerva. Prosperous and technologically advanced, Minerva quickly submits to UN supremacy.

Surprisingly quickly...

Solitary spacejock Landry Krieger smuggled people into and out of star systems past the watchful eyes of governments, in hiding places he built in his ship, Midnight Angel.

When the priests of Tao Pacem sought his services, he resisted. After earlier experiences with religious leaders, he would need far more than three hundred thousand galaxycoins to say yes.

He got it when an arrogant agent of the oppressors tried to scare him off the job....