While returning from a mission, the Roughnecks are attacked and captured by a contingent of the humanoid Skinnies. Tensions mount in their prison cell, and while Carl and Brutto are being interrogated, the rest of the squad works on an escape plan.

After clearing a mountain pass of a row of Blaster Bugs, the Roughnecks are able to capture Colonel T'Phai, the leader of the Skinnies. But what Carl finds out in interrogating him is a huge surprise.

Colonel T'Phai, the Skinnie who was partially responsible for Carl's fried brain, is not particularly welcome when he joins the unit just as they're assigned the task of taking Zegema Beach as part of the Tesca Nemerosa campaign.