[participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge] A countdown to assimilation. A faction in need of a natural leader. A mission to unite a warring world in one way or another. Aidan Steele is a military veteran who lives an unfulfilling post-service life as a cog in the military-industrial complex. When an old friend offers him the chance to return to duty, Aidan jumps at the opportunity to relive the best years of his life. He thought it would be just another tour of duty, but he couldn't ...