Only advanced, peaceful species make up the Confederation. So when they are attacked by the Others, they need to quickly incorporate 3 species who are aggressive enough to defend the Federation, but peaceful enough to co-exist. One of those species are Humans. And a fourth species may be the lizard-like Silsviss--that is, if the current Confederation Marines can convince this warrior species that the Confederation military has what it takes. Staff Sgt. Torin Kerr has the job of taking a combat platoon on ceremonial duty to the Silsviss world--ceremonial, that is, until their plane is shot down and they're stranded, vastly outnumbered, in hostile territory. Fun military SF with a kick-ass heroine, strong minor characters, interesting aliens, and a twisty plot.