Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation

Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation is a 2004 American military science fiction horror film directed by Phil Tippett. The movie stars Richard Burgi, Lawrence Monoson, and Colleen Porch. It follows the 1997 film *Starship Troopers* as the second entry in the franchise. It first aired on Encore Action on April 24, 2004, and came out on DVD and VHS on June 1, 2004.

The film shifts from the action of its predecessor toward horror, a change that critics largely panned. Reviewers also noted the absence of cast members from the first film. A direct-to-video sequel, *Starship Troopers 3: Marauder*, followed in 2008.

The story follows a squad of Federation troops and psychic soldiers trapped on a planet overrun by Arachnids. General Jack Shepherd (Ed Lauter) makes a last stand with four of his best soldiers, allowing most of his surviving troops to escape. Those who get away include Sergeant Dede Rake (Brenda Strong), psychic Lieutenant Pavlov Dill (Lawrence Monoson), Private Jill Sandee (Sandrine Holt), her lover Private Duff Horton (Jason-Shane Scott), Private Billie Otter (Cy Carter), and psychic Private Lei Sahara (Colleen Porch).

The survivors take shelter in an abandoned structure where they find disgraced Captain V. J. Dax (Richard Burgi), who killed his commanding officer and was left for dead. Dust storms and arachnid ambushes whittle the team down, cutting off communications and backup. Dill is plagued by visions of the Arachnids destroying humanity, which hampers his leadership and leads him to take his anger out on Sahara, who lost reliable control of her abilities during puberty. Dax takes command after deeming Dill incompetent.

After defenses are set up, the survivors are surprised to find General Shepherd still alive, accompanied by three soldiers who rescued him: comatose Private Charlie Soda (Kelly Carlson), strange-acting Technical Sergeant Ari Peck (J. P. Manoux), and Medic Corporal Joe Griff (Ed Quinn). With their help, the group restores communication and waits for a fleet dropship.

Several survivors, including Horton and Sandee, begin acting strangely. Sahara becomes ill, suffering nightmares and vomiting. After accidentally brushing Griff’s hand, she has a psychic vision. Rake suggests Sahara might be pregnant, which can cause visions if either parent or child is psychic.