Scales by Alastair Reynolds

Originally appeared in Guardian as an audio (2009)
Appeared in "print" at Lightspeed (2011)

This clever little war story follows Nico as he battles the lizard men.  Each step along the way he peels back another layer of what's actually going on.  As Nico becomes more battle-prepared, he becomes more machine until he's unwittingly part of Ouroboros:

Perhaps this gives something away.  Perhaps not.  I saw it coming but still appreciated the craftsmanship and shift of style toward the abstract and mechanical until we're looking back at ourselves with new eyes.