As the last star fighter in squadron 111, Midshipman Henry Gallant is on his way from Jupiter to Mars. With the United Planets' fleet on the verge of annihilation, he can expect no help as he passes through the asteroid belt and threatening aliens. With so much uncertainty about the aliens’ capabilities and intentions, analyzing the captured computer equipment in Gallant’s possession could prove crucial.
The fate of Earth could rest on the abilities of Midshipman Henry Gallant. Unfortunately, it is his abilities that have been much in doubt during his tour of duty. In an era of genetic engineering, he is the only Natural (non-genetically enhanced) officer left in the fleet. His classmates and superior officers have all expressed their concern that he will not be up to the demands of the space service. Only bright and attractive junior officer Kelsey Mitchel has shown any sympathy for him. Now as his navigator on the last fighter in squadron 111, her life as well as a good many others, depends of Henry Gallant.
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Excerpt:
A massive solar flare roared across the pockmarked face of the sun producing static interference on every display console operating in the tiny spacecraft as it approached the United Planets' battle cruiser Repulse in orbit around Jupiter.
“No need to worry young man, we’re almost there,” said the aged pilot.
“I’m not concerned about the storm,” said newly commissioned Midshipman Henry Gallant. Eagerly, he shifted in his seat to get a better glimpse of the massive ship that was to become his new home for the next two years.
The pilot maneuvered expertly to minimize the worst effects of the x-ray and gamma radiation until the craft made its tortured way from the sunlit brilliance into the cold black shadow of Repulse. The tiny ship quivered gently as its tractors reached out to the behemoth warship, slowly drawing alongside.
When it attached to the Repulse’s docking hatch, Gallant transferred to the warship and made his way to the bridge. He found the Officer of the Watch standing next to the empty captain’s chair surrounded by its nest of displays and virtual readouts. The officer rested his hand briefly on the panel concealing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) tactical analyzer.
“Midshipman Henry Gallant reporting aboard, sir,” he said, standing as tall as his seventeen-year-old gangly figure would allow. He tugged at his uniform blouse to straighten the buttons into proper alignment.
“Welcome aboard, Mr. Gallant. I’m Lieutenant Mather.” Mather was of average height, barrel-chested with sharp-angular facial features. Stoic, he showed little interest in the new arrival. “Please give me your comm pin.”
Gallant handed over his pin and Mather made several quick selections on a touch screen console. He swiped the pin passed the chip reader which loaded the ID and personnel information into Repulse’s computer.
Gallant took the opportunity to look around the spacious semicircular compartment with its numerous apparatus and instruments. The captain's seat was centrally located and he noticed that many of the other chairs were also unoccupied. Apparently some watch stations were only manned during conditions of higher alert.
He observed the watch standers carrying out their ritual duties. The communication panel was manned by a midshipman who looked occupied with an incoming message. The radar station was also manned, but by a technician who was diligently studying his display. Gallant couldn't tell what he was tracking, but there were several blips on the scope. The weapons and astrogator positions were vacant; several science analysis stations were operating automatically.
Interview:
Interview:
1. What inspired you to write this book?
Science fiction novels provide wonderful adventures in unexpected places with unusual characters and strange circumstance. I’ve enjoyed them all my life including stories such as Jack Campbell’s The Lost Fleet series and it inspired a story that I wanted to share. Midshipman Henry Gallant was the result.
2. What characters do you connect with most?
I’ve known young men of courage and honor who served their country and I hope some of their strength appeared the characters of this story.
3. What's your favorite book-turned movie?
“Beat to Quarters” by C.S. Forester.
4. Can you tell us about any other books you're writing?
Possibly a sequel.
5. What do you do in your spare time?
Compute programming Android Apps.
6. Who's your inspiration?
Jack Campbell
7. If you were stranded on a desert island which character do you want by your side?
Kelsey Mitchel
8. What are you reading now?
“The particle at the end of the universe” by Sean Carroll.
About the author:
As a scientist and author specializing in technology innovation, H. Peter Alesso has over twenty years research experience at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). As Engineering Group Leader at LLNL he led a team of computer scientists and engineers in innovative applications across a wide range of supercomputers, workstations and networks. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. and served in the U.S. Navy on nuclear submarines before completing an M.S. and an advanced Engineering Degree at M.I.T. He has published several software titles and numerous scientific journal and conference articles, and he is the author/co-author of six books.
50 comments:
This isn't the normal genre I'd reach out for, but this sounds like an excellent book, full of action! Thank you for the giveaway! I'd choose amazon.com for the GC. :)
Thanks for the awesome giveaway :D
I prefer the amazon one
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I would prefer the amazon gift card if I was lucky enough to win..
I don't usually read sci-fi but this sounds a really awesome book so I'll give it a try. I'd like the Amazon gift card if I'll be lucky enough to win. :)
The book sounds really interesting, I'll add it to my tbr list. Great giveaway, thank you! I would prefer the amazong gc.
I would like the B&N card
Thanks for this giveaway! I'd like the Amazon GC.
Thanks s lot!
I've always wondered what the allure was for people who write science fiction because it is beyond me!
Oops, I would prefer the Amazon gc
Great excerpt, thank you.
I'd love to get the amazon one if I win
Thank you for the giveaway!
I would prefer the Amazon, if I won.
This books sounds interesting. I like to throw some sci-fi into my reading sometimes!
I would want an Amazon gift card.
I would want Amazon GC (:
I would want the Amazon gift card. Thanks for the chance to win.
Very intriguing tour thus far!
vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
If I win, I would like the amazon card pls. Thank you for the chance! kamclauc AT gmail DOT com
I would want the Amazon gift card. Thanks for the giveaway.
Wow, thanks for the awesome giveaway! I love SF and this book looks awesome! If I win, I'd probably choose the Amazon GC.
Brynna
I would like the Amazon gift card.
Amazing giveaway, thank you very much!! :)
I was a bit puzzled when I saw your question as to which gift certificate I prefer... I thought the giveaway was for an ebook. When I saw the SIZE of the GC I said a bad word! So to purge my conscience I decided I prefer an Amazon GC (I have no idea how that purges my conscience; it just seemed like the right thing to say at the time). Great giveaway, and the book sounds good, too!
I deleted my previous comment because I forgot to leave my email: acwa at netscape dot com
Thanks for the awesome giveaway, I would choose the Amazon card.
Beat to Quarters by C.S. Forester? I have not heard of the book or the movie. I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the tip.
I'm an Amazon & Kindle fan.
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com
Amazon is my preferred since I have a kindle. :D so many books I could get.
kitsune_no_sora @ yahoo
I would love an amazon gift card. I am a 1-click addict.
ArdarelFeuer@gmail.com
Thanks for the giveaway!!! Amazon gift card to please
Thanks for this amazing giveaway - I would love to win and pick the Amazon GC!
Great interview.. Amazon Please..Thanks!!
Amazon please! THANKS!!
WOW. want this at Amazon
Amazon please! Thanks
I would love an amazon GC!
Great interview!! I would go for the amazon gift card. ;)
-Cali W.
This isn't my usual genre of books, but I think I will check out this one! I would like to win the Amazon card :) Thank you for the giveaway!
Thanks for the great giveaway! I'd take Amazon.
Definitely Amazon! Thanks for the giveaway!
I would like the Amazon if I were to win.
If I was to win I would be delighted and would want the Amazon gift card but I think that reading the sci-fi Midshipman Henry Gallent would be an interesting read
I'd pick Amazon. Thanks so much for the chance to win :D
AMAZON GC please..
thx u for this amazing giveaway :)
Sorry for the late post. I’m playing catch-up here so I’m just popping in to say HI and sorry I missed visiting with you on party day! Hope you all had a good time! BTW Amazon GC for me if I win!
kareninnc at gmail dot com
BN.com please!
This is an AMAZING giveaway!!
@fluffythebean
I'd prefer the Amazon card. Thank you!!
Amazon card! :)
Yayayayayay!
Yayayayayay!
I would love the Amazon card please, thank you!
I would love the Amazon gift card! Thank you! The book looks pretty interesting as well, although I'm not a huge fan of sci fi.
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