Abducted by a warrior civilization and brought to Arena Planet on the other side of the galaxy, Carter Stone is forced to fight against other alien species in gladiatorial combat. As long as he keeps winning, Earth survives. If he loses... * * * Carter Stone has had enough. No longer would be be a hitman for the mob. All he wants is a cabin in the mountains to live out his life in peaceful solitude. Never did he imagine the alien ship suspended above New York City the last several days is in search of the perfect warrior, and it has found him. Whisked away to Arena Planet with three others from Earth, Carter soon discovers they are expected to do one thing: fight against opposing teams of aliens to the death in gladiatorial matches. If Carter's team wins, they move up to the next level. If they lose, Earth is destroyed. Known only as the Overseers, they are a militaristic race that controls most of the galaxy. The Overseers have created Arena Planet as a means of enhancing their warriors' skills as they observe other races fight to the death. Carter and his team have been given the help of a mentor named Taliah, whose job it is to train them in various forms of combat. Unknown to Carter, his teammates and the Overseers, she has been waiting for her opportunity to instigate a rebellion against her planet's conquerors. All she needs is a warrior with the right skills who is willing to lead the fight, and she believes Carter is that man. There's just one catch. Carter must sacrifice his life to free Earth and the other planets under the Overseer's control.