“The natives of this world tell a story,” he began. “A story that predates our own remembered history. A story of a great war between the ancient masters and the lesser worlds, one which transformed this once-rich paradise into the barren hellhole we call Mars. This war was fought with weapons of unimaginable destruction, but on the ground, soldiers were required. These soldiers needed to be resilient, obedient, and utterly devoted to their just cause. The natives say that many of these soldiers came from Earth.”
He peered down at Anna’s face, searching for any sign of genuine interest. He saw what she wanted him to see, but in her eyes, he sensed her fury and disbelief.
“A fascinating story, Herr Reichsführer.”
Taking a step closer to the foot of her bed, he held the jumble of keys out
