C obra is the story of a bionicallyenhanced soldier. Like most of Zahn's novels, it is set in a future interplanetary society. The Trofts, sapient aliens who resemble giant insects, have already taken over two human worlds and are menacing other planets. A desperate solution is devised by the Dominion of Man: to create and train supersoldiers whose physical and perceptual abilities are multiplied by hightech alterations of their bodies. These Cobra soldiers will then infiltrate the invaded worlds and work with their undergrounds against the Trofts.

Jonny Moreau knows nothing of this plan when he enlists. He simply feels a call to patriotic duty — and possible adventure. But he is put into the first full class of Cobra trainees. After surgery and training, the Cobras are sent to the subjugated planet Adirondack.

Despite casualties and misfires, eventually they drive the Trofts out. Jonny's welcome...