The Clans. Mysterious invaders from beyond the stars, wielding highly advanced technology and tactics. They have fallen upon the Inner Sphere with little warning and lightning speed, destroying all who stand in their way...

On the very edge of the Periphery, Tai-sa David Vivas of the Draconis Combine has been tasked with the impossible feat of finding some way to defeat these strange invaders, even at the cost of his own life. Having seen his comrade-in-arms fall in battle, David knows that the only thing awaiting him on the battlefield is most likely a swift death. But he will make these so-called "Ghost Bears" pay for every inch of ground they try to claim.

Ghost Bear Star Commander Cymril Tseng's orders are simple: conquer the outlying world of Constance and defeat all forces that defend it. But the reality is more complicated than that. Expecting a garrison of retired mechwarriors, Tseng finds one--Combine officer Adam Kaningamu-- who fights with the fury of a true warrior. Having captured him, Tseng now ponders what to do with his former enemy. He could destroy him, but to terminate such a proud fighter, or relegate him to a garrison planet would seem to be a waste.

Tseng will figure out what to do with Kaningamu in time... just as soon as he eliminates the rest of the man's fellow Combine soldiers...