Forty years has passed since the end of the Krogg War, and the strains on peace are showing. Church influence continues to grow on Genesis, and the new Church-supported Commonwealth of the Faithful menaces Freetown. Though the Kroggs seem quiet under watchful Earther eyes, the Larosians remain isolated from their old allies, and are fighting desperately to resist the plague that has almost defeated their civilization.

Now, as Setter Caine steps down from his leadership of the Earther people, the situation seems destined to erupt. The Earthers' oldest enemy will return...