THE SWORD OR THE PLOWSHARE... The destruction of the interplanetary communications net has isolated planets across the Republic of the Sphere. On Mirach, a widening schism in the military between those who would remain loyal to The Republic and those who would break away threatens the peace and prosperity that have lasted for generations. Once a formidable MechWarrior, governor Sergio Ortega now believes that diplomacy will win the day. His sons, Dale and Austin, are also stalwarts of The Republic and aspiring MechWarriors. Facing growing civil unrest, they urge a military show of force before events spiral out of control. But Mirach has no BattleMechs, and their pacifistic father is slashing military spending. But when power-hungry forces within the government begin plotting to overthrow it by any means necessary-including assassination-Austin must rebel against everything he's known to fight for the safety and freedom of Mirach...even if that means facing off against his own father...