The Thorne Legacy — J.D. Brink

He'll be court-martialed.  If he lives that long.
 
Corporal Cranston Thorne is the black sheep of the family and about to be kicked out of System Guard for his selfish and reckless behavior.
 
His father, Captain Thanos Thorne, would like nothing more than to see that happen.  Unfortunately, he can't stay for the trial.  A remote outpost at the edge of the system has gone silent and he must take the fleet out to investigate.
 
The real danger, however, isn't at the edge of the system...
 
The Thorne Legacy combines military science fiction, space opera, and characters of depth with suspense, thrills, and sci-fi action.  This novelette was also a Writers of the Future contest finalist.