The 73rd class of cadets at the Defense University of the small planet Kibi embarks on a shakedown cruise aboard the fleet’s newest starship, the *Amaterasu*, as a fitting prelude to their graduation. Returning to their home world, they are stunned to learn that the aggressive Kingdom has declared war on Kibi. When Kibi’s government surrenders without a fight, the cadets decide to take matters into their own hands and launch a war from the *Amaterasu*. To finance their campaign, they strike a deal with a galactic news network, becoming the unexpected “stars” of a reality‑style show. Unfortunately, the stakes of this televised battle are deadly.