Mickey7: A Novel

Mickey Barnes is an Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim. When dangerous or suicidal missions arise, the crew sends Mickey. Each time he dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact. After six deaths, Mickey7 understands why this was the only colonial position available. On a routine scouting mission, Mickey7 goes missing and is presumed dead. When he returns to the colony base with help from native life, he discovers a new clone, Mickey8, has been created to replace him. Only one Expendable can exist. If Mickey7 reports his survival to Command, one of them will be recycled. If they're discovered together, both will be. Conditions on Niflheim are deteriorating. The atmosphere remains unsuitable for humans, food is scarce, and terraforming efforts are failing. The native species are becoming increasingly curious about the colonists, alarming Commander Marshall. The survival of both lifeforms may depend on Mickey7—if he can avoid dying permanently.