A professional soldier whose time has passed, Jim, is stationed as security for a commercial venture critical to humanity's continued survival. Now he's just another "tin soldier, " a prop for the military to look good to war-weary civilians. But he's never stopped caring about those who scorn him and the ideals to which he still clings. That caring is tested when he is thrust into a scandal not of his making and chooses to carry the burden of guilt no matter what. Because of his own pride. . .possibly the one thing he has left. That, and a promise of a second chance.

Second Chances is hard SF at its gritty best.