In this military SF thriller, a colony on one of Jupiter's moons will either be the last bastion of human civilization . . . or ground zero for its extinction.

At long last, humanity has moved beyond Earth and begun seeding new worlds. Colonies extend across the solar system, from Luna to Mars to Saturn's satellite Titan. Even Jupiter's moon Europa has become home to a couple thousand brave souls willing to risk their lives adapting to its frozen and deadly landscape.

After his previous mission in Africa ended in a violent uprising in which he lost every man under his command, Lt. Ryan Braeder's posting to Europa is his last chance to salvage a military career that's in tatters. Here on Jupiter's moon, he's been tasked with easing tensions between the military and an unruly civilian board.

It seems the governor and his cronies are attempting to usurp military command in a play for control. But Braeder's diplomatic efforts are met with defiance as mistrust grows on both sides, threatening the colony's safety. And that's before events Earthside turn his world upside down.

Braeder can only watch helplessly as war erupts on his home planet, releasing a biological plague that sweeps the globe. Supply transports to the colonies are canceled. In a few short months, Braeder's friends, his family—everyone he has ever known—are dead. The human race hovers on the brink of extinction.

Now, Braeder's got one chance to save the colony on Europa. Can he implement a ration plan that borders on starvation, avoid a full-blown mutiny, and prevent Earth's survivors from bringing the deadly plague? One thing's for sure: the future of his species depends on it.