Royal Orders is the fourth published novel in the Suicide Arc, a nine-book saga (plus a short story collection) set during the Compact Universe’s post-Amargosa era. Set in 434 IE, the novel follows Mitsuko Yamato as she investigates a wave of radical Cubist terrorism following an assassination attempt on King Edward.
Mitsuko’s mission takes her from Quantonesia to Belsham, where she meets Frederick Ansel, founder of Cubism. Ansel reveals that a former follower, Gerard Kurz, has radicalized the movement and seized control of a militant compound on Aphrodite. During a reconnaissance operation, Suicide is abducted.
In response, King Edward dispatches the Chief Iron Cloud to the Metisian Republic to retrieve JT Austin and Ellie Nardino, who agree without hesitation to assist. The two join Edward, Connor Duffy, and the Household Guard team as the mission escalates.
Mitsuko is captured during the raid to rescue Suicide from Kurz’s jungle encampment. During her absence, Susan Areestes assumes command, leading the ground team through intense jungle fighting—including a near-fatal encounter with a giant mech that only enrages her further.
Mitsuko returns days later and resumes coordination of the final assault on Mt. Buxanshal, a former Cubist retreat now converted into a stronghold. The mission culminates in a confrontation with Kurz, a ticking fission warhead, and the destruction of the radical cult.
Preceded by Checkmate
Followed by Another Way to Die