The nightmare has begun. While Ginny Reed is waiting at the airport for her flight, the televisions switch to the emergency alert system, and all flights are cancelled. The news networks report that nuclear missiles have been launched at the United States from Asia, and the President has declared a national state of emergency. Martial law goes into effect, and people panic. Ginny, her brothers, and their friends hurry to get to the family farm in the North Carolina foothills. Once there, they struggle with safety, food security, and the stress of so many people at the farm. As the situation continues, both the best and worst characteristics of humanity are revealed. How will this group of people deal with the changes in their unpredictable world and the dangers at their own doorstep?