Beyond the Rim: Space Marines and an imperial investigator, racing to head off a galactic empire war. (Rebels and Patriots)

Book 2 in the Rebels and Patriots series
“It could be worse. At least you’re an Imperial citizen.” Anon
It was a common enough phrase in the Imperium, but it began to ring false for Paul Grimm and Julia Urbica after their failed scouting mission at the Gray world of Sintel. Captured and carried far beyond the reach of Imperial intervention, they find a society that, while far from perfect, may actually be worth fighting for. And fight they must. The nearly mythical lost worlds of the ‘Beyonder’ colonies are embroiled in a decades old civil war that shows no signs of ending. Lacking the Imperium’s crushing taxes, the war is prosecuted mainly through the licensing of privateers; ships authorized by the various governments to attack and seize enemy shipping and installations. As they struggle to find a solid footing in the unfamiliar society of Roanoke, they learn that old enemies are still out there and they’re still pulling strings to keep conflict alive. Paul and Julia must tread carefully to sort out friend from foe, knowing that the slightest misstep could bring about the complete destruction of the Beyonder worlds. Lurking just beyond their borders lies a merciless, calculating enemy and the lightly armed privateers would be no match for purpose built warships.
Being intentionally forgotten by the Imperium can be a double edged sword.
Approx 86,000 words