Spring, 3050. Rumors fly throughout the Inner Sphere about some strange invading force. Unstoppable, these mysterious attackers carve through any military unit they face with ruthless efficiency. And they're driving deeper into humankind's domain with each passing day.

Virentofta, in the Draconis Combine, is guarded by the mercenary Seventh Hell's Brigade. When reports of these dreaded raiders reaches the planet, the Brigade's colonel wants to cut and run. But he called for the vote too late.

The invaders have arrived. Their ships are inbound this very minute. And soon, the men and women of the Brigade will be in the fight of their lives against an enemy they've never heard of, but which certainly sounds ominous...a force called the Smoke Jaguars...