Star Marine — John Bowers

When the Sirian Confederacy attacked the Federation, six star systems became embroiled in a 22-year galactic war. Six years after the attack, the Federation is finally ready to go on the offensive. The plan - retake the Outer Worlds, liberate Altair and Alpha Centauri, then slam it down the enemy's throat, invading Beta Centauri, Vega 3, and Sirius. It takes all kinds to fight a war. Rico Martinez: A Star Marine, a grunt. Almost killed in the Titan operation, he is one of six who survives, but his war has only begun. Unheralded and unheroic, he fights for his life and his buddies as they invade Alpha Centauri, and saves the Fighter Queen from certain death when she is shot down in a blizzard. But his fate and destiny merge in the invasion of Beta Centauri, when he locks and loads in the deadly bloodbath of Periscope Harbor. Regina Wells: The only child of Federation Senator Henry Wells, Regina promises her dad she won't join the military. But when she is recruited by the FIA for a black op to discover who is dealing battle plans to the enemy, she may prefer the sting of battle instead - her mission takes her to the enemy's home world. Can she learn the identity of the spy in time to save the Star Marines at Periscope Harbor?Wade Palmer: A graduate student and a jock. When his father is killed in battle against the Sirians, Wade joins the Space Force, but his degree in statistical analysis lands him in the Polygon planning the war instead of fighting it. Wade feels trapped - he wants to be fighting. Even his girlfriend is a combat gunner, while he remains safe at home. Then he sees the plan to capture Periscope Harbor…and knows it won't work. Is there any way he can rescue the plan before the Star Marines are slaughtered?227,400 words (equivalent to 853 pages in mass market paperback form)Rated "R".