In the far future, humanity is caught in an endless war against an alien menace. The struggle is dominated by giant war machines called Gear. Only the best and the brightest are allowed to drive these war machines. The process of elimination begins in junior high. Teresa Gottlieb is a thirteen-year-old freshman at the most prestigious military

In the future, humanity is in a seemingly endless war with an alien race. The struggle is dominated by giant war machines called Gear. Only the best and the brightest are allowed to drive these behemoths. The process of elimination begins in junior high. Thirteen-year-old Teresa Gottlieb has just entered the most prestigious military academy,