Rise of a Burning Star: Book Eight: The Burning Star Series

With the first long distance base established at Alpha Centauri, the entire galaxy seems ready for exploration. Young Willie Khan is a natural for the job, but he faces constant opposition. When those around him are promoted and he is pushed to the back by jealous rivals, fellow outcast Johnny Beggs helps him. Rejecting the established order, and siding with dangerous competitors and secretive groups, they find themselves a ship and attempt the most dangerous mission in history.