We open to find Marcus and newly promoted Captain Furlong plotting mutiny against Admiral Winfield. As part of the plot, Marcus plans to get rid of J.T. and the gang by sending them on what he tells them is a "top secret" mission to Mars. J.T. and the Squad accept the mission, and all but Maggie Weston and Kaz take off for Mars. They are told that they will be attacking a Neo weapons complex near Olympus Mons. The weapons complex is really a giant Neo brooding lab that the Neos are using to brood workers who will replace Terrans.