When Lieutenant Gerald Yamato of the Republic of California Air Force bailed out of his doomed fighter he had no idea he would land in a culture that would forever change his life. The Dene thought they had won their independence and the war was over. Suddenly they face an advancing Russian army from one direction, a merciless band of mercenaries from another, as well as the remnants of a defeated, angry, Russian army between the Dene and the rest of their people. Despite assurances by distant, bland diplomats to the contrary, the new Dene Republik has a whole new war on their hands. But they are not alone. The Tlingit Nation shares their struggle, and the USA and the Republic of California vow all the aid they can muster. But will it be enough and what will it cost?