The Astari people inhabiting the planet of Garshen are some of the kindest, most generous people the universe has ever spawned. They are trusting, they are open with their knowledge and technology, they are peaceful. They are also about as naïve as a bunch of people can get. So they are utterly unprepared for the war that descends upon them, started by their "best friends," the Zachaani. In the first few hours of that deadly assault millions die while cities burn and incredible cultural treasures are either destroyed by the invaders or carried off as booty. And then, the invaders really get going, imprisoning hundreds of thousands and carrying out medical experiments on their prisoners, or otherwise treating them as something less than chattel. But though the Astari are a kindly people, they are not a stupid people. And they are fast learners. With the help of a few trapped offworlders who consider it a tragedy most foul if the planet of Garshen falls to the Zachaani, they slowly, painfully learn the art of war. Will it be enough? Will they learn soon enough? Only time will tell, but they have one BIG advantage; Someone with a lot of resources at hand and the ability to Make Things Happen is on their side...