Combat ships are frozen in orbit. The military astronauts of the victorious Earth await a decision on their fate. First they were considered heroes; then their home planet cursed them as ruthless murderers. Having emerged from the crucible of an interplanetary war, they had no idea that the cruelest trials are still ahead. They’re tired of shooting, but it’s the only thing they know how to do well. Sooner or later the command “To battle!” will be heard again…