In a distant future, humanity has colonized the galaxy and established a vast star empire. For many hundreds of years, the empire has been at war with the alien civilization of the Cielcin, who have already destroyed thousands of planets with their massive ice ships - a war in which Hadrian Marlowe has distinguished himself as a hero. Thus, his betrayal weighs heavily, for which he awaits his execution: he has annihilated an entire solar system. Now, just before his death, Hadrian reflects on his life. This is his story...