Excitingly (for me) I have my first comments back from a beta reader on my latest book and they are incredibly invaluable, as always. Without someone else’s eyes on your work, you can’t get an idea of how a story reads and what comes across – and what doesn’t. Requests and suggestions include more description of the spaceship interior, exterior and of the vasty beauty and terror of interplanetary space itself.
I can do that.
This is a novella (a long one… more a short novel length but novella in spirit), a prequel to Orb Station Zero and will be released in October.
What’s this amazing new prequel story all about then, eh?
Well, I’m glad you asked!
My first shot at a blurb / synopsis / product description reads thusly:
A freak accident threatens humanity’s first mission to the outer solar system. Can the backup crew of Artificial Persons make first contact with the alien civilization?
In 2060, Mission Zero is launched. Humanity’s first great, long-distance voyage to beyond the orbit of Neptune. Invited by the vast alien space station at the edge of our solar system, the crew of seven elite astronauts sets out with the hopes and expectations of billions back home on Earth.
Max (Medical Assistant XIII) was designed, grown and conditioned for this mission and this mission alone. He is capable of performing complex medical tasks, administering drugs, running blood tests and even assisting in minor surgeries but Max knows nothing more about the mission, the ship or the other Artificial Persons onboard. Only, there is something wrong with Max’s brain.
He is starting to learn.
The first prequel in the Galactic Arena Series, Inhuman Contact explores the story of Mission Zero and humanity’s first encounter with Orb Station Zero. It also examines the origins of the Artificial Persons Program and why there is Pro-AP Terrorism on Earth later in the series.
Ultimately, this novella asks the classic science fiction question: what does it mean to be human?
What do you think? Does this sound like something you would want to read? I should add that you don’t need to have read Orb Station Zero to read this, and you don’t need to read the main series to appreciate this one – although it certainly helps.
Please let me know by commenting here, on Twitter or Facebook AND please “like” and share with anyone you know who like science fiction.
Thanks!
SPAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!!!!
