Showing results for "Crystals" in Hard Science Fiction

Scouts have located a forward base of the freakish creatures, who plot to annihilate all meat-based lifeforms. Earth assembles a joint task force with legions of Rigellian bears, Mogwa battlecruisers, and Saurian troops. Together, they strike as one against Crystal World. After annoying every superior in his chain of command, James McGill is the first to be deployed on the unexplored planet. His mission: to establish a beachhead on this strange, hostile ground. Surrounded and cut off, his troops fight to the bitter end against creatures made of earth, stone, and jewels.

Go deeper, they said. Look closer. Pleo Tanza is a survivor. Her father was broken by tragedy, her twin sister is dead-chewed up and spat out by the corruption and injustice of Chatoyance-but she's going to make it, whatever it takes. She's going to get off this rock. But escape is for the rich...

I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are. When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action. Drastic action it is, then.