The great Star League general, Aleksandr Kerensky. Colonel Archer Christifori, a man with a score to settle. Nelson Geist, on Christmas patrol. MechWarrior Joanna of Clan Jade Falcon. A Sandoval scion. An eleven-year-old girl. Northwind Highlanders. A prisoner of war.

They all have two things in common:

A universe torn apart by unending warfare.

A mission to stand up against the darkness.

This compilation contains a selection of eighteen of 2004's best fiction pieces, as well as an all-new story about young Aleksandr Kerensky by Loren L. Coleman!

Includes stories by your favorite BattleTech authors: Randall N. Bills, Loren L. Coleman, Robert Thurston, Blaine Lee Pardoe, and Michael A. Stackpole.

As well as stories by new favorites: Ilsa J. Bick, Dan Duval, Jason M. Hardy, Kevin Killiany, Steven Mohan, Jr., Louisa M. Swann, and Phaedra M. Weldon!