Rick Shelley (January 1, 1947 - January 27, 2001) was a military science fiction author. In addition to a plethora of short fiction, he also wrote the Dirigent Mercenary Corps, Spec Ops Squad, Federation War, 13 Spaceborn, Seven Towers, and Varayan Memoir 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.Lon Nolan is skyrocketing through the ranks of the DMC, proving time and again that he's got what it takes to be one of the most elite fighters in the galaxy. But as his family grows, he grows less certain that the mercenary life is for him. With one kid at home and another on the way, he grows more reluctant to march off to battle.But when duty calls, he must answer. In Major, Nolan is off to the mining planet of Bancroft on a routine security mission. Of course, this is the DMC, so it won't stay routine for long ...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."e;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."e; --Jack Campbell, author of the bestselling Lost Fleet series.