The galaxy is at war, and an ancient enemy has returned from the darkness of interstellar space. When Jack March is attacked by an unknown alien vessel, he soon realizes that the alien warship is just the vanguard of a far more powerful invading force. All that stands between the alien fleet and the Kingdom of Calaskar is the daring plan of a mercurial Lord Admiral. And unless March can carry out that plan, all of human civilization might be devoured by the alien force...