Thermopylae Again: Science Fiction

"Thermopylae all over again," he muttered to himself, as he stared at the narrow pass in front of him. "Can't do it. Can't get through it. They'll be at the brink and slaughtering us no matter the size of the force we bring. They're that determined, boss man. Sorry." "Dang it!" the boss man whipped his hat off and wiped his forehead with an arm. "I was all hopeful about maybe being able to push through here and get rid of them. I can't rightly afford another sacrifice like they demanded last summer. Not enough young calves this year. It wasn't so bad until they got that new headman. He's greedy." Pete nodded his head sympathetically. "Or maybe he just worships more bloodthirsty gods." The boss man shook his head. "Like we need more sacrifice around here."

Inspiration: 'Thermopylae'
Story Potential: Low. Too scattered for a cohesive idea to emerge.
Notes: Ranchers in space with aliens demanding sacrifice. Eh.