Gareth Weston feels old. After a lifetime as a soldier, he’s retired to a quiet part of Earth where he expects to live out the rest of his days in quiet tranquility. With the universe at peace, he experiences a sense of uselessness. Long hikes in the woods only go so far in keeping him busy and active. Sometimes, fate isn’t content to allow obscurity to set in. When a mysterious force descends upon Earth, Gareth learns how battered his body has become. What starts off as a threat to his small community swiftly escalates as the invaders obliterate major cities. With few chances for survival, and only a rogue doctor as an ally, Gareth must find a way to escape his home. Or die trying.

A universe in turmoil. Apathetic allies. Death sweeping through the human colonies. Gareth Weston travels with a ragtag group of criminals and soldiers, intent on exploring a secret military base. They hope to uncover something to help them with their struggle against the alien aggressors, anything to give humanity an edge in the coming weeks. What they find instead is a mausoleum with something far more horrifying than they ever imagined. Meanwhile, Admiral Thomas Gaston works to bring together the allies of humanity in an effort to push back the enemy forces through traditional warfare. But with his one fleet, he finds himself on the run. With no prospects, few hopes, and dwindling resources, they stumble upon a survivor from Earth. One who may hold the key to their survival, or confirmation of their doom.

Humanity stands on a dangerous threshold. Desperate, cornered, hiding, they must ally themselves with anyone willing to fight back against the alien aggression that cost them their homeworld. To that end, an ambassador is sent to speak with the Zitha, a culture well known for raiding others like Vikings of old. Can they be swayed to assist? Or will they be just as much of a danger as the threat already in motion? Meanwhile, Commander Weston and his ragtag crew set course for the last place any of them wants to go. The colony where it all started in search of a cipher to unlock vital intelligence to the war. What they find there might challenge their understanding of the enemy while putting their lives at risk. Even with advanced technology, they find themselves outgunned by their opponents who seem desperate to find some hidden secret in the rubble.