ruin is just one of many scattered over Dunstan. Pritchard seems uncaring and uninterested in the nature of the race, especially if the presence of their creations does not directly help his regiment. After decamping, his tank section becomes engaged in a fight on the edge of a city made of irreplaceable Gedel structures. The enemy mercenaries have dug in there intentionally, knowing the Slammers' employers won't allow the Regiment to attack the site. If the Slammers don't attack and defeat their opponents, they will be labeled as quitters. This in turn will adversely impact their ability to land contracts. Despite Sonna's protestations, Colonel Hammer allows the use of the tanks' heavy 20 cm powerguns to flush out and kill the enemy. This has the foreseeable effect of destroying many of the Gedel buildings, but insures the Slammers' reputation as a unit that will do whatever it takes to win. Interlude: The Church of the Lord's Universe This interlude chapter explains the main faith of humanity in the future. An evolution of Christianity, the Universalist Church espouses that truth can be found by following the via stellarum (way of the stars). This focus on space travel helped early human colonisers and is the reason that many characters in the stories use the word "Via!" as an expletive. Under the Hammer New recruit Rob Jenne undergoes a brutal baptism of fire on his first day with the Regiment while temporarily assigned as a gunner on a combat car commanded by an experienced sergeant ferrying him to the training unit. It graphically demonstrates the kind of life he can expect as a Slammer, in more ways than one. Interlude: Powerguns The notional science behind the weaponry used by Hammer's tanks. Cultural Conflict A Slammers outpost including Ripper Jack Scratchard and Rob Jenne is attacked by the indigenous aliens who are defending the tree-homes that hold the souls of their people. This story shows that the Slammers have the ability to employ poison gas in combat, mainly but not exclusively in artillery shells. Interlude: Backdrop to Chaos The political and social background to the Hammerverse. Caught in the Crossfire Margritte DiManzio's husband is killed by a patrol from another mercenary regiment after he objects to their village being used as bait to lure a Slammers column into an ambush. Convincing the mercenaries she is on their side, she bides her time until she