Mission Critical

The Lost Soldiers, led by Major Rodger Y. Murphy, have been taken from their planet and century and awakened in the Tauri 55 binary star system, 152 light years from home. They must establish a base of operations on the main world of RBak using local allies and enemy equipment, but the primary star, 55 Tauri A, is rapidly approaching, and the technologically superior powers from that neighboring system always raid, pillage, and "cull" the locals. Murphy's Lawless have risen to the challenge and destroyed the makeshift transmitter with which their enemies would have warned their home planet Kulsis, established a beach-head on RBak, and led an uprising of the locals that has changed the balance of power in its most valuable region.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2023
Publisher: Baen Books

Major Rodger Y. Murphy, a soldier who was taken from his planet and century, finds himself in a completely different world in August 2125. He and 100 other "Lost Soldiers" are retrieved and awakened by two officers of the Consolidated Terran Republic, Trevor Corcoran and Richard Downing. They promise to return after completing an unauthorized rescue mission, but their task is daunting. They must establish a base of operations on the main world of RBak, recruit local allies, and seize enemy equipment. Additionally, the primary star of the system, 55 Tauri A, is rapidly approaching, and the technologically superior powers from the neighboring system always use this opportunity to raid, pillage, and "cull" the locals.

However, the company of misfits and neer-do-wells, known as Murphy's Lawless, rises to the challenge. They destroy the makeshift transmitter that their enemies would have used to warn their home planet, Kulsis, establish a beach-head on RBak, and lead an uprising of the locals that changes the balance of power in the region. This was just a tactical prelude to the next operation: defeating the Kulsians when they make their now-imminent return. The plan is ambitious, with three separate parts that must not fail. If one does, it means extinction for the Lost Soldiers and their allies.

Naturally, Murphy assigns his best-trained, seasoned, and committed leaders to carry out these operations. The team includes Sergeant First Class Jack Baker, who is a skilled fighter and strategist; Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Price, who is a brilliant scientist and engineer; and Captain William "Bill" Mitchell, who is a charismatic leader and skilled diplomat. Together, they must navigate the treacherous waters of the Tauri 55 binary star system, recruit local allies, and seize enemy equipment. They must also prepare for the imminent return of the Kulsians and devise a plan to defeat them.

As they carry out their mission, the team faces numerous challenges and obstacles. They must deal with the technologically superior powers of the neighboring system, who are always looking to exploit the locals. They must also navigate the complex social and political landscape of RBak, which is divided into numerous factions and tribes. Additionally, they must deal with the memories of their past lives, which are slowly returning to them, and the emotional toll of being separated from their families and loved ones for so long.

Despite these challenges, Murphy's Lawless is determined to succeed. They use their skills, knowledge, and determination to overcome every obstacle that comes their way. They form alliances with local tribes and factions, and they use their enemy equipment to their advantage. They also rely on each other's strengths and support, and they never give up hope.

In the end, Murphy's Lawless succeeds in their mission. They establish a base of operations on RBak, recruit local allies, and seize enemy equipment. They also defeat the Kulsians when they make their now-imminent return. The team is hailed as heroes, and their bravery and determination inspire others. Major Rodger Y. Murphy, once a Lost Soldier, has become a legend in the Tauri 55 binary star system.

In conclusion, Murphy's Lawless is a story of hope, determination, and the power of the human spirit. It is a story of misfits and neer-do-wells who rise to the challenge and become heroes. It is a story of the human capacity for innovation, adaptation, and survival in the face of adversity. It is a story that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

ISBN-13: 9781982192600