When the alien ship screamed through the solar system, it disrupted communications between the far-flung human mining ships and supply stations and between them and Earth. So Earth and Luna were unaware that they had been invaded until the ship pulled into Earth orbit, and began landing terra-forming crews in China. Politics and pride slowed the response on Earth, and on Luna, corporate power struggles seemed more urgent than distant deaths. In this sequel to Earth afire, millions are dead after the invading Formics gas cities with lethal chemicals. Young Mazer Rackham tries to find a counter-agent, while asteroid miner Victor Delgado infiltrates the alien ship. Victor needs to find a way to seize the ship and end the war.