The Desert of Stars - The Human Reach, #2

At the edge of the desert... In 2141, humanity has attained the stars, but some nations have found their dreams of interstellar empire thwarted, and they have gone to war to ensure their futures beyond the Solar System. In this thrilling sequel to Through Struggle, the Stars, U. S. Space Force Lieutenant Neil Mercer is sent to a strategic independent colony on the planet of Entente to curry favor with the repressive ruling government.
On Earth, Neil's mentor, NSS operative Jim Donovan, seeks to bring in the powerful neutral states of India, Russia and Europa into the war on the allied side, first through diplomacy, and then through ... other means. Meanwhile, Neil's old friend, space defense artilleryman Rand Castillo, assumes a position of leadership among the guerrillas fighting in the occupied American continent on the planet Kuan Yin.
Initially light-years apart, their three stories will ultimately intertwine in a confrontation that will determine the fate of a planet, and perhaps their own fates, as well.