Two interstellar nations have fought for dominance of the Milky Way for over a century and a half. The Galactic Empire, an absolute monarchy headed by Kaiser Friedrich IV and an entrenched aristocracy, attempts to crush the rebels who dare to challenge the invincible crown. The Free Planets Alliance, a representative democracy run by a corrupt High Council, degenerates as its elected officials utilize war and strife to gain popular favor. However, the long-standing stalemate between the Empire and the Alliance comes to an end with the advent of two competing military geniuses. Reinhard von Lohengramm, a small noble and High Admiral of the Empire due to his strategic genius and his sister's status as the Kaiser's preferred consort, fantasizes of conquering the galaxy.