People turned into resources for colonial corporations. Tiny cogs in huge machines that produce money. The colonial policy of the Earth Empire has been calibrated down to the last detail. Who pays, and with what, for the semblance of order so valued by ordinary people? Iven Trudeau—a sergeant in the Marine Corps of His Majesty the Emperor of the Earth Empire—is once again called to service after a long break to take part in a “pacification operation.” Under this euphonious name in штаб documents lies a corporate war in the Latin Zone of the planet Sheridan. Trained by many years of service to obey orders without question, he has had his full share of sweat and blood in a senseless slaughter. To survive in modern war is difficult. To remain human while doing so is even harder…