For more than a decade, the Human Planetary Alliance and their Daklan allies have readied themselves for a war against a mysterious alien species known as Kilvar - a species which has so far remained in the celestial shadows. Until now. A technological breakthrough on a remote alliance world brings the attack. The enemy warships are seemingly invulnerable and able to act with impunity, killing and destroying at will. Billions of lives are at risk, along with the new technology the Kilvar have come to steal. Against this opponent, the years of preparation seem useless. And yet…the alliance military has plenty of veterans who never learned how to give up. Lieutenant James Vance – a soldier of many past conflicts - thinks he’s seen the worst of the universe. The Kilvar will prove him wrong. Captain William Flint – his heavy cruiser Loadout is about to come face-to-face with an enemy he can’t possibly overcome. Fleet Admiral Carl Recker is the most decorated officer in the alliance. All his experience may not be enough to handle what lies ahead. Hardened by years on the frontline and endless past conflicts, humanity and the Daklan must figure out a way to defeat the Kilvar. The solution will, perhaps, be far more deadly than the enemy. With new technology comes new risks, and what the alliance has discovered may well be the most terrible weapon of all.