Initiation to War — Robert N. Charrette

FIRST BLOOD

On planet Epsilon Eridani, young Tybalt Kelly dreams of one day becoming a MechWarrior--no matter how much his father hates the idea. When the local County Shu Militia starts recruiting for warrior training, Tybalt finally gets his wish. But he might not live to regret it.

Because the raw, untested forces of the Shu are about to meet their baptism of fire. Unidentified 'Mech raiders have been hitting cities and supply depots, destroying and plundering at will. And the newly fitted MechWarriors are going after them.

Now Tybalt is about to discover the hard truth that some battles have no winner--and in war, glory may be fleeting, but death is forever....