How do you defeat what you cannot kill? After surviving the incident at probe NC-108, John Alvarez believes he is free to make a new life with his family. But when a radio wave emission source is observed approaching incorporated space, all that changes. An impending anti-life attack is expected, and Alvarez is suddenly thrust into action as the new face of Novos diplomacy. He must thrash against the slow-moving wheels of corporate leadership and convince holdouts from other settlements to join the inter-corporate defense strategy. But can he do it in time to give mankind a fighting chance?