A FATEFUL PERIOD in this history of humanity. This is what lies ahead of mankind as Earth celebrates the inauguration of the year 2044 AD On Terra and on the far-flung colonial worlds of the Solar Empire, few realize the tempestuous events that the next 12 months will bring. WAR throughout Earth's domain could come at any moment—for a flame has been smoldering for 73 years in the alien star-system of the Topides. What will the answer be when the word goes out—PLANET TOPIDE, PLEASE REPLY!