An interstellar conflict that once raged across solar systems has dwindled to the confines of a single planetary orbit, two space-faring nations now locked in a bitter stalemate side by side. Amid the debris fields of dead colonies and sunken ships, one weapon reigns supreme: the dragoon, a humanoid fighting weapon equipped with a neural interface training system capable of creating an ace pilot in an instant. With only one in ten thousand passing the compatibility test, ordinary civilians are thrust into the military overnight with a promise of wealth and prestige.
In the poverty-stricken fringes of the invading Lilac Fleet, the rabbit-eared Xio finds herself chosen to become a pilot. With no prospects, and no hope of ever escaping her circumstances, passing the compatibility test feels like winning the lottery.
Without even a moment to regret her decision, Xio begins her new life as a military officer aboard the fleet's glistening capital ship.
Sharing cigarettes and living each day like your last. The raw violation of neural connection. Being made into merchandise. Days spent at petting zoos. Late night conversations sharing the same bed.
The life of a pilot turns out to be nothing like Xio imagined…
