Metatalta, Daggered Wings - David E Kinney

When a universe of infinite probabilities collapses into a single shining reality
Incorporated into the mighty Jakarien Empire, Earth's endless wars, hunger, and disease faded into historical footnotes. But peace and prosperity came with a cost. The Imperium's aggressive expansion requiring an inexhaustible supply of pilots, aliens from the furthest reaches of the galaxy, having endured the brutality of Star Corps' orbiting officer evaluation school, gather at SCB Slater-each vying for the right to be called a Hunter of the Imperium. Sam Becket, a human, is one such alien. But Sam has a Secret. Sworn to secrecy by his dying mother. Raised by a Jakarien prince on an alien world. Feared by some who believe his very existence threatens the foundational fabric of the Imperium. Sam, oblivious to a destiny orchestrated by forces beyond his understanding, embarks, along with his new friends, Bo and AJ, on the adventure of a lifetime. A quest to earn Star Corps' most coveted badge... Daggered Wings. Peter Andrew Jones: "I felt I was 21 again, visualizing my first E E Doc Smith cover. Created with passion, for me, it conjured memories of unfettered creativity. If it was David's intention to write a 70s-style sci-fi book, he cracked it 100%."