The Sword and Laser discussion

While Robert and Alicia MacGregor, survivors of the ill-fated probeship William Bartram, work to rebuild their lives, the Commonwealth seeks a way to end the long, bitter conflict between the Republic and the Leyra’an. But the leaders of the Republic, suspicious of the motives that drive their long-sundered kin and faced with unrest among their own people, resist the changes that must come for peace to exist. And all the while, forces unseen by either side are at work, determined to force both of the Human civilizations and the Leyra’an to walk the path of war.

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Goodreads listing for Book One here:
The Luck of Han'anga

“Our last voyages scarred us all,” said Holm. “Dark journeys they were, whichever ship bore you, full of fear and death. You have found healing here. And love. Is it so strange that you would be reluctant to travel again?” He placed his broad hand against the side of her head as he had done with Robert, though he held it there longer. “I think not, eli’sana.”

A tiny bit of The Plight of the Eli'ahtna, War of the Second Iteration, Book Three. It exists now as a draft, on its way to beta readers. It will be a while before I have it back, have worked revisions and sent it through my proof reader/copy editor. So... plenty of time for you to catch up! ;-)

Book Three, The Plight of the Eli'ahtna, is now in the hands of beta readers. Still on track for release in autumn 2013.

Not sure these stories will suit you? Waiting for the series to be completed before you start? Visit the universe of the Second Iteration with this free short story.

Long Time Passing

I have a giveaway in progress here on Goodreads. Three pairs of The Luck of Han'anga and Founders' Effect are available. They'll be signed by the author, of course. It runs through the end of August. Check here for more details:

Founders' Effect

One day left for the giveaway posted above!

The inner airlock hatch cycled and the tone sounded indicating it was safe to open it. At least, it was safe to do so under ordinary circumstances. John made no move abort the airlock sequence, and allowed the hatch to open. In the dimly lit space beyond, John saw a large shape moving.

He and Wirolen floated in the central compartment together, no more than two meters from the airlock. On either side of the lock were equipment and EVA suit lockers, one of which was hanging open. John glanced at Wirolen, who held her weapon steadily, her attention fixed on the airlock. They were warriors standing their ground, but John knew a fight would be pointless. If these beings were hostile, they were finished.

Were they being rescued? Or – something else?

A snippet from the forthcoming Plight of the Eli'ahtna, War of the Second Iteration, Book Three.

The third book in the series is coming together nicely. Here's another sample:

So they followed the Hroom, matching the movements and pace of the larger, slower species to avoid collisions. In places they found themselves at a loss for come-alongs or push points, and would have drifted helplessly, had the nearest Hroom not provided gentle nudges, or simply taken an arm and brought them along. It was a source of amazement that those huge, warm hands could be so gentle. They left the ship by way of a tunnel, which John assumed was a component of the huge black docking mechanism. At the end of the tunnel they entered a black and white room; they might have been back in the ship, or in another like it, for all John could tell.
"It is a lift, I think," said Wirolen as she looked around. "See how they arrange themselves?"
"Yes," John replied. "All feet pointing the same way." He twisted himself around to do the same, and saw Wirolen follow suit. Horga watched them maneuver and gave them the thumbs up.
"A most useful gesture," Wirolen said.
"So long as every species we encounter has thumbs," John said, "we should be okay." As Wirolen laughed a low grumbling sound emanated from the ten Hroom in the lift with them. "I guess they get the joke, too."
"There is amusement," Horga said. "Humor is understood."
"That's convenient," John said.
"It is," Horga agreed. "Also hopeful."

From the forthcoming Plight of the Eli'ahtna
War of the Second Iteration, Book Three

"This is a good place to be," Robert said, looking around. Glancing up, he looked quickly away from the long central fusion lamp that lit the habitat. The lamp was dimming, but was still too bright to stare at.
"Yes," Ersha replied. He breathed deeply of air faintly scented by lilac, the blossoms of worish lacking in perfume. "This is home," he said more quietly.
"Melep says things like that," Robert said, with a glance toward Ersha as they walked. "The thought of leaving here, for any reason or amount of time, doesn't set well with her."
Ersha did not respond immediately. The stream beside them slowed and became broader, and patches of tall cattails screened parts of it. There were ducks on the water, noisy mallards arguing amongst themselves as they foraged between the cattails.
"I do not mean to leave this place either," Ersha said. "Oh, I'll go to Serch'nach as needed. But my voyaging aboard Han'anga . . . No, I have no desire for such things these days." He patted Robert's arm. "You see, par'adnan, for all that your Commonwealth medicine has rendered me physically young, my mind and heart feel the weight of the years. When the Bartram Protocol is signed and implemented, in whatever form, I intend to retire from public life. I am worn away by the burden of lives for which I was responsible, lives that ended too soon. I am weary, here," and he touched his chest. "I need to rest."


From the forthcoming Plight of the Eli'ahtna, Book Three of the War of the Second Iteration.