Despite the escape from Meridian - and a strike at the heart of Wolfbane - enemy forces are still advancing on all fronts. The Commonwealth, worn down by a year of hard fighting, is reaching the end of its tether, while Admiral Singh - having secured control of Wolfbane - is searching for the breaking point that will shatter the Commonwealth once and for all. Time is needed, time to bring new weapons and tactics into service, but time is the one thing the Commonwealth doesn't have. Now, with enemy forces closing on the industrialised world of Corinthian - Admiral Singh's former base of operations - Colonel Stalker decides to make a stand. The Commonwealth will meet its enemies on the ground and destroy them - or die trying. They will not pass as long as a single marine remains alive. But how much of Corinthian - and the Commonwealth - will survive the nightmare to come ...?