Michael Sanders' future is hopeless. He is making terrible grades at Ohio State and is on the verge of dropping out. His family barely knows he exists. And worse, he has an ugly drug and alcohol problem.At the fringe of the solar system, radio telescopes detect an unknown object, larger than most of Earth's nations. Humanity is not alone in the universe. As the alien vessel looms closer, Earth's fate is thrown into doubt. But Michael sees a way out from his problems. And all it will cost is his allegiance to humanity.