We Only Need the Heads

In "We Only Need the Heads," CDF Lieutenant Harry Wilson finds himself embedded with a platoon assigned to discreetly eliminate an unauthorized human colony on an alien planet. Simultaneously, Colonial Ambassador Abumwe is engaged in critical negotiations with an alien race to forge a potential alliance. As their paths converge, the success of both missions hangs precariously in the balance. This story is part of John Scalzi's "The Human Division," which comprises interconnected tales within the Old Man's War universe.