A little over a year (Earth time) after their arrival on the planet, the Masaryk II detects a Tauran ship. With 11 days until they reach the planet, Mandella calculates the odds of the Masaryk II intercepting and destroying the Tauran ship at 50-50. While waiting for a possible Tauran assault, Mandella orders the platoon to engage in weapons training outside the defensive perimeter of the base. Advancements in human weapons technology are impressive, but because of the time lag between battles, Mandella’s platoon cannot anticipate what kind of weapons the Taurans may have in response. While supervising the training, Mandella is informed of a second Tauran vessel emerging from the collapsar. The Masaryk II may destroy the first ship, but it can’t handle both. Mandella’s troops will most certainly see a ground assault.

During the next two weeks, Mandella and his platoon await the Tauran attack on the planet’s surface while the battle commences in space. After the Masaryk II destroys the first Tauran ship, a Tauran drone destroys the Masaryk II in return. The remaining Tauran vessel establishes orbit around the planet, and Mandella and his platoon prepare for an aerial assault. Moore suggests booby-trapping the base and hiding everyone inside

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