Surrounded by Fire

At the center of criminal activity in the Murky Islands, Nucleus Sigma stands free and independent. Most of the world wants a piece of it, though no one in two hundred years has yet cracked its powerful defenses. Under the rule of Cathandra Pallas, internal schisms have grown and her tight grip on the island has become unsteady. Rumors of overseas Imperial interest have risen and threaten her control.
Ms. Pallas has a card up her sleeve in the name of the Dissuasion Cartel. Since their escape from prison, Nosophont Charles and Kohaku Liam have taken a ship and a new name, with ambitions and schemes aplenty. While the Cartel has vowed to protect Nucleus Sigma from those who would take it, Charles has other ideas. Kohaku seems trustworthy though will soon have problems of his own. Namely, a mysterious woman has beguiled him.
By the name of Vthi Mosof, this sorceress travels with her mentor to unearth an ancient book from ages past. Soon, forces in pursuit of that book will follow her to Nucleus Sigma, and the island will fight for its survival on three separate fronts. When the dust settles, who will control the island? More than that, will they survive? Or will these four rivals fade into the pages of history?