Publisher's Synopsis
The Xaros broke against Earth's defenses, but the war may be lost.
The alien ships of former allies rule Earth's skies, threatening to obliterate cities and turn the planet into a barren wasteland if humanity refuses their demands. With their backs to the wall, the scattered crew of the Breitenfeld must work together to foil the enemy's plan before time runs out. The path to freedom leads through THE CRUCIBLE.