Is there such a
thing as romantic military science fiction? If not, Ginger Smith is inventing
the field. In this dystopic, far-flung star empire, human soldiers are too
costly to waste in battle, so technologically enhanced vat-grown troops have
become the era’s cannon fodder. With accelerated growth, limited life expectancy,
and nearly unbreakable psychological conditioning, they’re considered
expendable during their term of service and disposable afterward. One such
retired vat soldier, Hal, has found sanctuary in a salvage ship captained by
his former CO, Ty. Hal, like other vats, is addicted to the overwhelming
adrenaline rush of combat, which will rapidly burn him out, but Ty has been
able to talk him down from the worst episodes. Into this tight ship family
comes Vivi, a young tech expert fleeing an abusive relationship. As her mind
and body heal, she and Hal grow closer, although Hal is still subject to being
triggered into the “rush,” and each bout shortens his already fast-shrinking
span. Various adventures ensue, pitting this small crew against the Coalition
Powers That Be (and their fear of the growing power of vat-grown soldiers). The
gradually developing love story is interwoven throughout, neither hijacking the
action nor feeling like a pasted-on element. It’s integral to how humans bond
to another, how trust and devotion not only heal the past but form the foundation
of hope. It’s a lovely tale, at times page-turning drama, at times heartfelt,
always reflecting what makes a person and what are the limits of personal
autonomy.
