5257, the year of the Metal Rat. Ananke Station, a decrepit prison on the dusty fringe of inhabited space. A cadre of conscripted criminals drill relentlessly in preparation for one final mission, the last gasp of a dying stellar empire. Under the brutal tutelage of Sergeant Tsuros, the prison squadron has been beaten, berated, and brainwashed into believing they are mankind’s only hope. But in a single moment of weakness, all is lost. Tsuros’ star pupil glimpses the truth and loses his faith.