Colonel, Dirigent Mercenary Corps

Explosive space combat as a soldier faces his final battle—from the national bestselling author of the Federation War series.

The year is 2804 AD. Humanity has colonized the universe. But the authority of the Confederation of Human Worlds is spread thin. Where the army of planet Earth cannot reach, mercenaries must keep the peace—and the Dirigent Mercenary Corps are the best of the best.

As a young cadet, all Lon Nolan ever dreamed of was serving in the military of planet Earth. After a dishonorable discharge on trumped-up charges, he saved himself and his honor by joining up with the Dirigent Mercenary Corps. Over the decades he’s forged himself a place with the DMC—and shown himself to be a true hero. There’s even talk that he might become the next General.

But Lon isn’t after a promotion—in fact, he’s thinking about retirement. With his son in the Corps, he’s hoping he can leave the fighting to the next generation. But when the political machinations of the Confederation of Human Worlds get in the way, Lon has to return to the front lines, leading not just his troops, but his son among them, into a final bitter campaign.

“Rick Shelley was a soldier at heart, and his books were written from the heart. They carry the real feel of the sweat, blood, and camaraderie of those on the front lines.” —Jack Campbell, New York Times–bestselling author

“Rick Shelly knows how to write compelling military science fiction thrillers that are so action packed, readers hardly have a moment for an oxygen break.” —AllReaders.com