Good focus on conflict as a central theme – the scorpion-aliens seemed particularly ‘space opera’ to me…

The characterisation here is nice too, a real ‘get-up-’n-go’ kind of space warrior.

Not exactly grand, you focus on an aspect rather than look at the bigger picture, but I still enjoyed it… MH :)

It reminds me of Starship Troopers, which was sort of a parody of space operas rather than an example of the genre. Space operas tend to have very clear distinctions between good and evil, and the whiffs of moral relativism in this story doesn’t really jibe with that. Still, outside the context of the challenge, I thought it was an excellent story, so you still get five pencils. :D

Oh, is that why the movie sucks even though the book is a good read, decent fodder for a space opera? It’s a shame to butcher Heinlein so badly.

What was the other thing I wanted to say? Oh yeah! Phased Array huh? Must be microwave guns?

A Ratheon Mark VII Manned Phased Array Ball Turret is a Human Guided Computer Assisted Weapons Bank consisting of 6 syncronized 12.5 gigawatt focused anti-personnel microwave emitters (you were correct) operating in unison with 8 20 mm explosive projectile guns and 6 narrow beam 4.4 gigiwatt Penetrator Class Green Laser Igniters. All this weaponry is handled from a centralized movable station gunnery blister located near strategic vulnerabilities along the hull of Starcruisers, Corvettes and Battleships.

The term “Ball” or “Ball Turret” refers to ancient atmospheric based offensive manned weapons systems employed on Homeworld during periods of historic intra-species conflict.

“Ball Turret Gunner” is a nickname phased array operators use to describe their unique occupation. The designation allows them to form an elitist bond among very diversified crew members aboard the large offensive battleships on which they serve

Bob has earned a Nerd Card :) I enjoyed the story a lot. It’s got just enough terms , used offhandedly enough to make them realistic and convincing to the reader. And everybody loves a good military grunt’s POV.