In war, even the simplest things are hard. Admiral Jack Romanoff and his people have begun the liberation of Vesuvius from the xenophobic Novarites, but even something that straightforward is difficult. The enemy outnumbers them, and removing the threat won’t be easy. Worse, they are killing humans in job lots, so time is of the essence. When retreat isn’t an option, you must advance. Jack wants to spare as many Novarite civilians as he can, but the killing must end. With them on a planet and him in space, that limits his options, but he will compel their surrender by any means necessary. It will be a delicate dance, but he won’t stop until they admit defeat or die. In the face of overwhelming odds, never let your resolve waver.