The Dark Ones have returned... With a possible insurrection averted and the Va'Shen village of Pelle once again at peace, Ranger Captain Ben Gibson and the high priestess, Alacea, thought they would finally have time to let their awkward relationship bloom. Those hopes are dashed, however, when an unknown alien ship arrives in the Va'Sh system and immediately destroys the U. S. ship protecting the planet before crash landing on the surface. Now, with the clock ticking and an alien ground force moving right toward them, Captain Gibson's Rangers and a collection of Va'Shen commandos must join forces to hold back the invasion until military forces on Va'Sh can prepare for a counterattack. But doing so means turning the sleepy village of Pelle into a battleground. A battleground none of them may escape.