Mark Sully is a software architect approached by a representative of billionaire George Ellenberg. He saved a failing project for the billionaire and is now tasked with signing onto a much larger project to build a sentient, sapient AI named Tertia.The project will align Mark with Mia Constance, who brings Tertia to life. As a team, they detect and stop multiple threats on Earth, which leads them to take on a much more significant role - where Mark declares himself Supreme Commander of Earth Defense.He leads Earth Defense in building a starship and exploring the galaxy. In doing so, he quickly encounters alien life and finds that the Galactic Council controls much of the area. Earth is on a no-contact list, and Mark is given one year to show progress to the council.The Galaxy is now aware that Earth can reach the stars. Will Earth recognize his self-imposed title and authority? What will happen at the end of the year? Did he just open Earth to alien assaults?