Even Star Wars can't do without suicide bombers. Even Starship Troopers cannot compare with the Galactic Penal Battalion. And even in the “bright future”, penal prisoners must “atone for guilt with blood.” Military propaganda is silent about their exploits. Planets and constellations are not named after them, except perhaps “black holes.” They are the laborers of the Galactic War, the “cannon fodder” of the Earth, the kamikazes of Deep Space. They are the first to be thrown into the heat, into suicidal reconnaissance in force and disastrous landings - despite the losses, break through the orbital defenses of the rebellious planets and at any cost hold the bridgeheads until the main forces arrive. The CosmoFleet is paying for its great victories with their lives. Their blood bought the prosperity of the United Democratic States of the Earth and the “golden ten billion.” With their hands they suppress the resistance of the Free Worlds... This order of things has existed for hundreds of years. But it’s true what they say: you can’t sit on bayonets forever. Even if these are laser bayonets of a galactic penal battalion. Contents: Star Penal Battalion (novel), pp. 7-318 Doomsday Thursday (novel), pp. 319-605