When the XSS Cousteau makes First Contact with the Rheas, a pre-space flight alien race, it creates an opportunity for humanity for an economic windfall for Earth. After 300 years of paying tribute to their benefactor, the Vrene, they can use the money.

Humanity will make the Rheas a vassal race to humanity and pay tribute in exchange for protection from other advanced civilizations.

Only the Chzek already have a claim on the Rheas, who they want to enslave to serve their empire. And, unknown to the humans, the Chzek are long-time enemies of the Vrene.

With little choice, humanity and a Chzek vassal race are made proxies of their more advanced benefactors and fight Earth's first interstellar war.

Questions arise as Commander Kree and others realize the Vrene were preparing Earth to fight this war with their enemy for hundreds of years. Did their "benefactor" set them up to fight a war they do not want and cannot afford? Or, did the Vrene do them a favor preparing them for a war they were already destined to fight as the Chzek expand their empire?

Earth Interstellar is fast paced story of future interstellar conflict with credible representation of war in space.