Given a year to prepare by the mysterious ‘system’ for contact with the wider galaxy, humanity must work to ensure the Earth’s defense is ready to meet any challenge. Sadly, most of the world seems dedicated to tearing itself apart as the year-end deadline gets closer. The west is in barely contained Chaos, while the east descends into internal conflict and war. The Pillar Forts organized and built around the mysterious connection pillars given to Earth by the System stand ready to defend humanity against invasion should it come. Massive steel and stone walls that surround the Connection Pillars, these forts are filled with Earths deadliest men and women. Trained in all manner of warfare, and in the newly acquired System, each with skills and magical abilities that they put to deadly purpose. Beside these brave warriors, tanks, helicopters, artillery and more stand ready to defend humanity against any threat. But can they overcome the disparity in levels and experience between themselves and the forces that threaten them and the rest of humanity, all while dealing with internal conflict and resistance? Or will humanity end? Main Characters Jessica Brown- A young African American girl. Her 18th birthday in Detroit was the same day the systems message appeared. She discovered she was Level 7, much higher than most of the rest of the world. Why she is blessed, or cursed, with the power she doesn’t know. But what she does know is that she rather likes the feeling that comes with manipulating magic. Isaka Smith -   A third generation American and farmer who just wants to be left alone. But she is dragged into the situation by events beyond her control. When people in her small town had to deal with rioters and looters after the System announcement, she rallied them to defend themselves, earning her a trait that the government found extraordinarily useful. John “Fighting Bull” McIntire - An old man and retired general from the tail end of the cold war, John “Fighting Bull” MacIntire is asked to step up to serve his country once again. DEDICATION: This story is dedicated to my father who passed away recently. Jim Holloway, you’ll be missed you old silverback gorilla. Love you dad. Always have, always will.