They were called Expendables—a team of criminals and misfits, "the chosen ones" selected to explore new planets for human colonization . . . Their first destination was Kratos. It seemed almost ideally suited for colonization. But before interplanetary settlers could begin arriving, they had to know what caused the deep ruts and throbbing domes that marred the planet's surface. The Expendables hadn't reckoned with powerful creatures capable of constructing hills bigger than the pyramids of Egypt. Colossal snake-like beings that swayed and roared. Hostile life forms that could destroy their mission—and them.

There were seven of them headed for Tantalus on the star-ship Santa Maria—four men and three women. All with a tainted history. Now they were pulling together in the face of the unknown alien enemy that lay in wait for them on Tantalus. But there was something more deadly to be feared than the creatures of Tantalus. And a lot closer. One of the team was a saboteur. Planted to destroy the mission from within.

The probe reported no evidence of human life on Zelos. It should have been an easy mission. The planet was supposed to be remarkably like Earth. The Expendables were trained to expect the unexpected, but even they were surprised to discover homo sapiens 24 light-years away from Terra. These people were Viking-like. Tall. Strong. Armed. And ready to fight with their uninvited guests. Zelosian weaponry was primitive and no match for the Expendables' laser power. But the Expendables wanted to colonize Zelos, not wipe out the population. So when the crew of the Santa Maria was asked to join the War Games, they accepted. They would have to prove themselves—or perish . . .

Argus looked good. The prospects for a settlement were excellent. So the crew of the star-ship Santa Maria was expecting a nice, relaxing holiday after facing the perils of Kratos, Tantalus, and Zelos. But their commander, James Conrad, knew better. A sixth sense—and bitter experience—warned him that Argus would have its own special brand of surprises. After their first encounter with the lethal vegetation they tried to be prepared—but nothing in the Expendables' extensive training could have readied them for the final deadly wonder Argus had in store.