The crew aboard the Stellar Survey Starship Magellan returns to Earth with bad news from their expedition to the Crab Nebula. Out among the stars, a million systems have fallen under the weight of Broan force--a fate awaiting Earth should the Broa learn of the planet's existence. Having received this knowledge, Earth's politicians argue over their next move, confronted by a problem with no acceptable solution. In the meantime, Mark Rykand and Lisa Arden have embarked on a dangerous mission to spy on this newly discovered, all-powerful enemy. They must gather useful intelligence quickly--if their cover is blown too soon, the extinction of humankind is nearly certain...