National bestselling author Rick Shelley has thrilled a legion of fans with his tales of the future of warfare among the stars. In Officer-Cadet he introduced Lon Nolan of the Dirigent Mercenary Corps. Now, Lon Nolan returns as a lieutenant in a new adventure--a tale of leadership and loyalty in the heart of combat. Lieutenant Lon Nolan's got the rank--and he's about to learn about the responsibilities that go with it. For to win in battle, sometimes it's necessary to give the devil his due--no matter what the cost...