1634: The Galileo Affair

In the tumultuous 17th century, the Thirty Years' War rages, but a new power emerges: the Confederated Principalities of Europe (CPE). This alliance unites Sweden's King Gustavus Adolphus with West Virginians from the 20th century, mysteriously transported through time by a cosmic event. Led by Mike Stearns, these 'up-timers' champion democratic ideals, drawing the fierce opposition of Cardinal Richelieu, France's de facto ruler, who conspires with traditional foes to crush this burgeoning threat to the established order. Meanwhile, a covert team of West Virginians ventures to Venice, leveraging advanced medical knowledge to avert another plague, forging commercial ties with the powerful Ottoman Empire, and subtly approaching the Vatican to exploit Pope Urban VIII's growing unease with Richelieu and the Hapsburgs. However, their intricate plans are imperiled by a Venetian artisan who, after reading 20th-century history books, becomes obsessed with rescuing Galileo from his heresy trial. The Americans are deeply divided on whether to intervene, knowing that success or failure in this critical endeavor could have catastrophic, far-reaching consequences for the CPE and the future of Europe.