In the science fiction novel The Light Brigade, the protagonist Dietz enlists in a corporate military where soldiers are transformed into interplanetary light particles to be deployed for battle. The narrative explores the brutal psychological conditioning and physical breaking of recruits who are trained to kill with blind obedience in a world dominated by ruthless corporations. During these high-tech "drops," Dietz begins experiencing distorted timelines, realizing that the war against Mars is a deceptive construct fueled by corporate greed and propaganda. As Dietz jumps through non-linear points in time, they witness the devastating future consequences of current military actions, including a biological plague and the destruction of cities. Ultimately, the story focuses on Dietz's attempt to gain volition over the light to break a cycle of endless violence and reclaim the truth from a corrupt power structure.