Susan Sommers, an Earth journalist, travels to the terraformed planet Venus in 2089 to document the military conflict between the nations Ishtar and Aphrodia. She arrives in Aphrodia's capital, Io, just before its invasion and occupation by Ishtar forces led by General Gerhard Donner.

Initially approaching the invasion with detached professionalism and ambition, Susan views the conflict as a career opportunity. She films combat and destruction with apparent enthusiasm, displaying a degree of callousness. This shifts after she witnesses the death of Will, a member of the monobike team "Killer Commandos," with whom she had formed a rapid, close emotional connection. His death profoundly impacts her, leading to a more compassionate and personally invested outlook.

Motivated by grief and retribution, Susan attempts to assassinate General Donner during an interview. She pulls a gun on him but fails to release the safety catch, resulting in her disarming and arrest. Donner subjects her to psychological torture by firing her empty gun near her head before imprisoning her, further hardening her resolve against the occupation.

Following Donner's death and Aphrodia's liberation, Susan is released. She departs Venus for Earth, where she files a major report on the conflict. Despite initial plans to leave Venus behind, she expresses an intention to return for a vacation, indicating a continued connection. Her character evolves from a self-interested observer to someone marked by loss and committed to sharing the truth of the war.

Her interactions with the Killer Commandos, particularly Hiro and Miranda, and her relationship with Will, serve as catalysts for her transformation. The harsh realities of war strip away her initial detachment, replacing it with a deeper understanding of sacrifice and a sense of justice.