“We could deny ‘em the whole zone by planting some grass.” “They didn’t spend the money to get it right,” said Davis. “Something about chemistry out here, or landscape zones or something. “They tried that already years ago, didn’t they? It didn’t take,” said Mara. Neither did the rest of the platoon or even company command, all strung out in the dark across the dunes. No one in the squad expected further contact with the enemy. Nothing stood out on the ash dune rising before him. Infrared light streamed uselessly from emitters on the barrel and his helmet. “If they seed-bombed this region a little more we’d have grasslands instead of ashes.”

“Parks have grass and trees to hold the soil down, Mara,” grumbled Davis. Anyone beyond spitting distance spoke mostly in static. Her voice carried through the communications net only because she was so close. “Ah, you’re grumpy ‘cause they pulled you out of bed,” said his patrol partner. The ashes of Minos swallowed visible light, along with most useful parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. The only light came from his helmet and weapons systems and those of his squad mates. Despite technological aid, he couldn’t make out any stars in this sandstorm. Optical enhancements rendered total darkness into frustrating shadow. Sergeant Davis turned his eyes skyward, something possible only under the protection of his faceplate.

Scan ‘em from orbit six different ways and blast the hell out of ‘em. “Insurgents in sand dunes shouldn’t be a challenge. Introduction to Xenoarchaeology, third edition We know them only from ruins and fossils. The rest died out before they could reach the stars. “Of the seven alien species discovered thus far, only two still exist: the Nyuyinaro and the Krokinthians. Lieutenant Kilmeade, leader of Second Platoon

Lieutenant Torres, leader of First Platoon Lieutenant Commander Zach Corleissen, Chaplain Rear Admiral Todd Branch, Commanding OfficerĬaptain Alberto Santos, Executive OfficerĬommander Christina Hernandez, Operations Officer James Beacham, Chief of Staff to Admiral Yeoh Cover Illustration Copyright 2018 Julie DillonĬhapter Twenty-Five: Very Important Peopleįield School for Xenoarchaeology, University of Fremantle:įormerly of CDC Security Services: Troy, Jim, Mickey, Yanis, ChrisĬaptain MacDonald, Union Fleet liaison to MinosĪdmiral Meiling Yeoh, Chief of Naval OperationsĬmdr.

Poor Man's Fight by Elliott Kay