The lizard-men of the Tzen Empire have erupted from the Black Swamps of their home world to fight the Wasps, Leapers and Ants of the galaxy-spanning Insect Coalition. Rahm is a member of the Empire's Warior caste, the fighting elite of his species. After his unit was abandoned on a hostile planet, they must survive until Tzen forces come again. Insubordinate subordinates are just as much trouble as the enemy.