by John David Anderson
Year Published:
When scientists discover a rare and mysterious mineral buried in the Earth's crust, they don't realize it's the most valuable substance in the universe. It's not long before aliens show up to our corner of the galaxy, offering us a promise of protection, fabulous new technology, and entry into their intergalactic coalition in exchange for access to this precious mineral--precious enough that other alien forces are willing to start a war over it. A war that makes its way to Earth.