Chapter 14 Summary

Rico is mentor to an awfully young, harmless-looking 3rd Lt., Jimmy Bearpaw, passing on his own pearls of wisdom before a pre-drop inspection. They are hitting Klendathu, intent on freeing the POWs. As the Padre takes over, Rico feels the shakes. His platoon sergeant, Emilio Rico, comforts him, reminding him it is just like a drill. They hug before being sealed into capsules, and “Rico’s Roughnecks” report they are ready for drop. The captain switches on some music while they wait.

Chapter 14 Analysis

The two-page final chapter swiftly sketches Rico as a maturing officer with his father at his side as platoon sergeant, helping him overcome the pre-drop shakes that still afflict him. Note how Rico has internalized his mentors’ wisdom and now dispenses it.