Captain by Rick Shelley

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.

Serving with the Dirigent Mercenary Corps wasn’t Lieutenant Lon Nolan’s first choice--it was his only choice. After he was expelled from the North American Military Academy, there was nowhere else to go. He’s finally made a place for himself with the DMC when a girl has to go and throw a wrench in his plans. Sara Pines is beautiful and brilliant, and he’s sure she’s the one.

Unfortunately, Lon’s shipped out to quell a civil war on a distant planet before he has a chance to marry the woman he loves. And now that he’s arrived on Aldrin, it’s becoming increasingly clear that he might never make it home...

The Dirigent Mercenary Corps books are classics of military science fiction. Rick Shelley was himself a veteran of the U.S. Army, and his experience and knowledge shine through on every page.

"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, author of the bestselling Lost Fleet series.