Mark Kennedy

The Tolek fleet is inbound. Nine months to arrival. Nine kinetic impactors already launched—six at Earth, three at Mars. The species that sent them has not responded to any communication attempt except one, and that one is a secret Dren is keeping from almost everyone.

A vast chasm divides two species. But there is a bridge — and the bridge is a man. The Tolek and humanity were never meant to meet. Two civilizations built on opposite logic, facing the same impossible claim: Earth. To humanity, it is home.

Investigative journalist Chloe Ashford has been tracing a philanthropic foundation's money and influence. Now the pattern is closing. Donations funneled through shell vehicles. Fellowship placements across policy, media, and defense.

An interstellar object is hurtling toward Earth. It isn't natural. When astronomers detect a massive kinetic impactor on a collision course with Earth, the math is undeniable: the impact will be an extinction-level event. Humanity has eighteen months to stop it — or cease to exist.

Luck is a quiet thing — until it leaves. Alex Reeves sold his for ten thousand dollars. Now every bet he makes loses. Ruby Yang refused to sell hers. Now someone wants it — and he'll do anything to get it.