Having escaped from his captivity under allegations of spying, Cooke has started making his way back to Westface and his squadron. Dodging fights between the Olean invaders and Terraversan defenders, he has managed to get into the hinterland, where he made contact with (or rather, was surprised by...) a group of Atwi guerillas.
The Atwi guerillas agreed to help him onwards towards Westface, although insisting that he first assist them with a small task involving an Olean Patrol. Luckily, there is going to be no witnesses to tell the tale of a Corlander naval officer attacking forces of Oleon...