Could the first Vale settlers have predicted anything but the perfect civilization they were determined to create? How was it possible that their advanced culture and knowledge could one day prove to be their greatest disadvantage? Had they not learned the bitter lessons of man’s weaknesses and overcome them? Centuries after being driven from Earth as part of a massive diaspora triggered by an alien invasion, can the Valers face their worst—and unimaginable—nightmare? Can they withstand the might of the Komran Empire as it sweeps across the galaxy in a campaign to conquer all in its path? When the conflict reaches a crisis point, will they recognize that what they see as their greatest strength is their greatest weakness before it’s too late? Sometimes, situations are so ugly that only an ugly solution will suffice. Will they have the courage to unleash the secret weapon they have in their cryo hold? Are they desperate enough to resort to the kind of tough and strong that is bold, bad, and brazen enough to turn their society and the enemy on their heads? Joe Ugly is undoubtedly the Marine for the job. But is the galaxy ready for One Ugly Marine?