Savoy flipped open a programming window in his HUD, keeping one eye on his threat indicator while calling up the onboard computer built into the rifle. The electronics were entirely optional on the weapon, but when they were in use, they offered several degrees of sophistication over any mere conventional weapon.

One of those degrees was what concerned Savoy at this moment in time. He tapped into the software that controlled the rudimentary seeker systems on the heavy-caliber bullets and tapped a single digit into them.

In about thirty-three seconds of programming—most of that time used just to find the appropriate line of code in the first place—he had altered the thermo-sensor’s sensitivity from 96 degrees Celsius to a toasty 196 degrees. Then he smiled and squirted the program change to every man in his unit.

“Savoy to all teams. Apply incoming program change, and switch weapons to thermal-guidance.”

Milla Chans, ithan of the Colonial Fleet, found she was forced to pry open the lift doors within the immense construction’s transport tubes. The maglev tubes were necessary for the transport needs of the pyramid’s inhabitants.

Milla knew from personal experience that a great many people within the immense habitats never left them, and never wanted to. Each one was a city in its own right, and they were merely grouped this close together because of convenience.

She made her way through the tube, still moving a little awkwardly in the armor, looking out for a debarkation point.

She knew that, at this level in the pyramid, the local population would be sparse in spite of the marginally less room available at the apex of the huge tubular design. Those who lived in the apex habitat that was suspended directly below the point of the pyramid would be among the most influential families, and thus were able to secure the entire habitat for themselves.

She wasn’t looking forward to bursting in on them in the slightest.

The debarkation point was fairly easy to locate, and she found herself wishing she’d been carrying one of the standard-issue lasers she normally had. The weapon they had provided her, grudgingly though it may have been, was almost certainly not suited to opening doors.

Milla sighed and looked over the debarkation doors in annoyance.

Finally, she reached forward and began to go to work prying them apart.

Lieutenant Mackay sent the coded pulse to his rifle computer, then flipped the weapon over to burst mode as he glanced around at his squadmates.

“Come on. We’d better move out.” He glanced along the lengthy street that led toward the three towering pyramids, which appeared to float eerily over the placid waters, supported by massive struts sunk into the ground below.

“’Fraid that might not be a great idea, sir.”

“What’s up?” he asked, turning back.

“Roving recon shows another squad of those suckers coming this way, Lieutenant,” Sergeant Steward told him, pointing off to one side. “Not sure what the hell is going on with them, but the chutes are having trouble locking them down…”