It’s been two centuries since Mars was colonized.

Decades since the humans first set foot on the moons of Saturn and Jupiter.

Years of political tension between Earth and Mars.

Months since the Martian moon Deimos was glassed.

Weeks since the Jovian scientists created a black hole on the far side of the solar system.

Days of radio silence.

Hours since the Martian Fleet assembled on Earths doorstep.

Seconds since the Earth warships fired at the invading Fleet.

A young Martian pilot sits, encased in his Bladeship. The weapon of war humming with anticipation. Pulse cannons and Neutron bombs poking out of the hull, waiting to be unleashed on the enemy. On the deck of the Destroyer, the rest of his Lance is assembled. He thinks of home. Of the woman he’s loved since he was old enough to love. The last time he saw her, and those unspoken words between them.

She had once told him he wasn’t a violent man.

Marcus keys the propulsion pack on his Bladehsip, feeling it lurch forward with deadly intent.

She was wrong.