BATTLE BEYOND THE RIM is book number two in a continuation of the Starship Named Demon Series, but the books in the series can be read in any order. The Captain of the Demon, Thomas Wilson, wants to improve the living conditions in the Outer Planets and the Rim, but first, he must eliminate the pirate threat while establishing trade among the planets. The navy protects the Core Planets and has covertly entered into an agreement for Thomas to provide arms to the Outer Planets and the Rim in preparation for an invasion by the alien race known as the Hostis. To succeed, Thomas must deal with pirate ships, planetary dictators, assassins, and ultimately the Hostis invaders. Thomas is supported by his loyal crew, a sentient AI and the genetically enhanced empaths. Suzanna, a true spacer from birth, handles the intricacies of interplanetary trade and works hard to protect Thomas from his naivety. Suzanna shares his cabin. She will do anything to protect him and their young daughter. The Demon is covertly using outlawed technology from an ancient race, and the penalty for such use is death. The outlawed technology may allow the Imperium to survive the battle with the invaders. If the Demon uses the technology to aid the navy in their war with the Hostis, they will then face execution for not turning over the technology of the Ancients to the government. If they survive the war, they must be prepared to battle their own navy. The AI is helping Thomas develop a fleet of his own, but will it be enough? The Premier had already decided he must have the technology, and Thomas must die. Thomas believes there may be an opportunity for peace, but neither side wants peace unless they are losing.