One Marine. A ragtag group of mercenaries. The fate of mankind. Lance Corporal Zack Salvator has proven himself to be a hero. But it hasn't come without a price. The alien Emperor has put a contract on his head and vows revenge. After the ruthless destruction of Zack's homeworld, he sets out on an unsanctioned mission to rescue the civilian hostages—among them, his beloved girlfriend, Honor. But to get the job done, he must utilize the help of a ragtag group of unsavory mercenaries. Zack must risk everything to save the woman he loves. But can he fulfill his destiny as a corrupt bureaucracy, ruthless aliens, and deadly assassins conspire against him? The Tarvaax are poised to dominate the Federation and eliminate the scourge of mankind. If Zack fails, humanity will perish!