Harvesters — David Michaelson

Earth is under siege again. Heavy metals used in intra-galactic propulsion systems are in high demand. The second in command of the Pharo-based starship, REVENANT-9, is reluctant to make the trip to another solar system that has been scoured and mined in the far distant past. But he must follow his captain's orders even though he believes the planet known as Earth may be too dangerous to visit. The inhabitants of Earth have steadily advanced since the early days of forced labor at the hands of Pharoan ship commanders masquerading as Gods. Vice Commander Tium has no desire to confront the sentient bipeds that have emerged as the dominant species in their solar system. But orders are orders and he must obey them if he ever expects to be granted command a ship of his own.