When barbarians mobilize for an invasion, only a select few have the means to save the universe. As the Commonwealth reels from internal strife, Carson Flint and his companions must step up to prevent a coup. Their actions may well save a nation, while failure would most certainly doom them all. Meanwhile, the Lumari are under direct assault from the Thortan warlords. With their military scattered about their territory, only a small force comes to their aid. The violence has come straight to their homeworld, intent to end their existence as they know it. If their allies cannot hold off the threat while their forces muster, their fall may well usher in devastating consequences for all life in the galaxy.