Meet Sharon Struth, author of 'The Hourglass'

Please give a warm welcome to author Sharon Struth today. She spent some time answering my questions about herself and her book 'The Hourglass.' Feel free to add your own comments and questions below!

What was the inspiration behind 'The Hourglass'?

The characters and their story came to me while in the middle of writing another book. While their story mirrors things I’ve had to deal with in my own life (mostly related to alcoholism and suicide) it’s really a story about hope, moving on with your life and forgiveness. The story is about finding and reaching out to the positive forces in our lives; letting go of the past. I write about these topics with gentle humor and a “real” human perspective. I’m an optimistic person, which I believe is reflected in the story.

Which character spoke to you the most during the writing process?

CJ Morrison. I felt like he wanted me to understand him. Not judge him based on the man I started to write about, but dig deeper to find the caring man who suffered some deep wounds.

How much do you have in common with the main character, Brenda McAllister?

Well, we both own a scruffy terrier, grew up with an alcoholic parent and possess a need to over-analyze everything. Oh, a few friends suggested that Brenda’s reaction to CJ when he ignores her sounds at their first dinner sounds a little like me. Maybe . We lead very different lives. I’m happily married and have a wonderful, supportive husband and don’t have any of the drama in my life that Brenda faces.

Which scene is your favorite?

The scene where Brenda and CJ meet unexpectedly at Dale’s house for dinner. Every time I read that scene, I fall in love with CJ all over again.

What kind of research did you need to do for this book?

I researched racecar driving (CJ can be a thrill seeker or sorts) and corporate crimes, which fascinated me because I worked for over twenty-five years in finance and accounting before pursing a writing career full-time.

Romance and mystery make for a hot combination. What is it about this genre that is so compelling for writers to create and for readers to devour?

I seem to fit some suspense into all my stories. Both genres create tension, of a completely different nature, but they play well off each other.

How do you make yourself stand out in this competitive genre?

By writing a story that stands apart from the crowd. I honestly believe my book is a little “different” than most you’ll find on the shelves. Publishers sometimes go to same story/different characters…guarantees an audience. Anything that is off a beat is a risk for them. When Etopia offered me a contract for The Hourglass, I could tell right away that they understood my story and weren’t trying to jam it into a previously sold formula.

Please tell us about your other publications.

Prior to writing a novel, I dabbled in shorter non-fiction essays about life and the lessons I’ve learned. I appear in five Chicken Soup for the Soul books, A Cup of Comfort for New Mothers and Sasee Magazine. My agent is currently trying to find a publisher for my next novel, Share the Moon.

You live in Connecticut, which is a beautiful state. What are some of your recommended destinations for visitors?

Connecticut may be the third smallest state in the nation, but it offers a variety of places to visit. From the coastal shoreline of the Long Island Sound to the stunning lakes and rolling hills of the Northwestern part of the state to major metropolitan areas like Hartford and Stamford, a visitor can see a lot without long drives.

While The Hourglass is set in the affluent “Gold Coast” of Connecticut, (Fairfield county along the Long Island Sound), my next book, Share the Moon, explores small town life in a lakefront community set in the lovely New England countryside. I happen to live in a delightful smallish town, where everybody knows everybody and I’ve never felt more at home.

Thank you so much for your time!

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Novelist Sharon Struth believes you’re never too old to pursue a dream. The Hourglass, her debut novel, received first place in the Dixie Cane Memorial Contest and second place in the Golden Heart. She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut, along with her husband, two daughters and canine companions. For more information, including where to find her published essays, please visit http://www.sharonstruth.com.

Discover more about Sharon Struth here:

Blogs at "Life in the Middle Ages” http://www.sharonstruth.wordpress.com

Website: www.sharonstruth.com

Facebook Author Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharon-Struth-Author-Page/139641182749036

 

The Hourglass

by Sharon Struth

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Can forgiveness survive lies and unspoken truths?

Until Brenda McAllister’s husband committed suicide, she appeared to have the ideal life: a thriving psychology practice, success as a self-help author, and a model family. But her guilt over her affair with Jack’s best friend prevents her from moving on. Did Jack learn of her infidelity? Was she the cause of his death?

The release of Brenda’s second book forces her into an unexpected assignment with arrogant celebrity author CJ Morrison, whose irritating and edgy exterior hides the torment of his own mistakes. But as she grows closer to CJ, Brenda learns she wasn’t the only one with secrets—Jack had secrets of his own, unsavory ones that may have led to his death. While CJ helps Brenda uncover the truth about her husband, she finds the path to forgiveness isn’t always on the map.

Read an excerpt:

An unexpected gravitational pull swelled Brenda’s anger. Her cute quip ran into hiding. She no longer cared about winning this man’s favor. His rudeness left her feeling as if she’d been doused with hot coffee this time. Brenda clenched her fists. A year of internal browbeating over Jack’s suicide had left her easily irritated.

Brenda gripped the frail edges of her self-control. “I once again offer my apologies for the accident, by definition an unplanned event with lack of intent.” He looked down his sturdy, Grecian nose at her, so she stood and put her hands on her hips. “Shouldn’t you, as a writer, know that?”

Every line on his face tensed. “I could do without your sarcasm.” He leaned closer. “Thanks to you, I missed my meeting. Maybe tomorrow morning you could get room service.”

The brunette unleashed a tight smirk. CJ motioned for them to move on.

Brenda fumbled for a good retort. As he stepped away, the last word went with him. The same way Jack had the last word in their life together. A silent explosion went off inside Brenda’s head and propelled her anger forward.

“Mr. Morrison?” She raised her voice to be heard above the crowd.

He looked over his shoulder and arched a questioning eyebrow.

Brenda crossed her arms and fixed a phony smile as she nodded toward his companion. “It’s so nice of you to bring your daughter to the conference.”

Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble \ All Romance \ Kobo

~~Visit the book's official website.~~

Sharon will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win! 

Review of the MAUCs series by Olivia Hardin

Tangled Up in Trouble by Olivia Hardin

Lynlee Lincoln isn’t just a witch, she’s also a Neutralizer. Her job is a juggling act to keep magical and undead clients out of trouble. But getting back together with her old flame throws one more ball into the mix and romance with a guy who has two kids can get complicated. When her old mentor asks her to investigate the goings-on of a dark witch, things turn messy. The witch is stalking supernatural creatures to collect ingredients for a potion that Lynlee can’t seem to figure out. To keep those closest to her from becoming the next victims, she may have to confront the demons within herself.


**My thoughts**

This is the second book in the MUACs series by Olivia Hardin, though it does stand apart from the first book. The first book is a novelette that introduces you to Lynlee and Beck and is worth reading, though.

I loved this book. It was a fast read that kept me glued to the pages the whole way through. 

I like Lynlee. She embraces her role as a Neutralizer in the paranormal world, but realizes that not everyone is going to appreciate her abilities. She also has a heart of gold, wanting to help as many people and creatures as she can, even if they can't really afford it. She has a strong attachment to her loved ones, even though their relationship is quite complicated. I love watching her soften toward his children, too.

Not all magical creatures are good. There is a nasty witch who is wreaking havoc. Lynlee has to get involved, which is her job. But also, she has to reach deep within herself to give up her own beliefs and learned behaviors. Lynlee is on a journey to become more comfortable with herself, in addition to helping others, and possibly becoming part of a ready-made family. Dating a man who has children always present complications, but this family seems worth it. Before she can truly love them, she has to love herself, but hasn't yet been able to do so. She seems to be on that road, though.

If you can think of a paranormal creature, it's in here. Weres, shifters, witches, vampires, nymphs. There are even fun combinations that I've never heard of! I did like the cupid character, because his story reminded me of a series of shorts that I have been writing. There is also a sandman! 

There are dark elements to the story, as kidnapping and dark magic ensue, yet the book is a light and fun read. I can't wait for the next one to come out! 

Purchase links

  Also available on iTunes

The first book Trolling for Trouble is forever FREE. Get caught up on the series. 

A NOVELETTE- MAUCs Series One: Magical and undead creatures can get into plenty of sticky situations. Lynlee Lincoln loves her job as a neutralizer, but she needs a break from the supernatural chaos after an ultra-busy Halloween night. Coming home, she's ready to collapse into her bed and forget the day... until she discovers two children scavenging through her refrigerator. One look at the pair and she feels a tug on her heartstrings, then she learns their father is the man she spent years trying to forget. When Beck pleads with her to help save his daughter, Lynlee gets thrust into a heap of trouble. 

**My thoughts**
I read this novelette in anticipation of this blog tour. I wanted to know the first part of the story before diving into the second. I loved it! It was a very fast read, because it is short, and made me fall in love with Lynlee. She is spunky and strong-willed, but also demonstrates a big heart. She thinks that she has her life in line, but the arrival of Beck and his kids send her life into a massive upheaval! They get themselves into a bunch of trouble, but Lynlee is the perfect person to figure out how to fix it all. I also developed a bit of a crush on Beck and am starting to fall in love with his kids.

You don't need to read this book to understand what is going on in the second book of the series, but it is worth it. Especially because it is a free read!

Pick it up on Amazon

 

About the Author

When Olivia Hardin began having strange movie-like dreams in her teens, she had no choice but to begin putting them to paper. Before long the writing bug had her and she knew she wanted to be a published author. Several rejections plus a little bit of life later, and she was temporarily “cured” of the urge to write. That is until she met a group of talented and fabulous writers who gave her the direction and encouragement she needed to get lost in the words again. Olivia’s attended three different universities over the years and toyed with majors in Computer Technology, English, History and Geology. Thenl one day she heard the term road scholar and she knew that was what she wanted to be. Now she “studies” anything and everything just for the joy of learning. She's also an insatiable crafter who only completes about 1 out of 5 projects, a jogger who hates to run, and she’s sometimes accused of being artistic.

A native Texas girl, Olivia lives in the beautiful Lone Star state with her husband, Danny and their puppy, Bonnie.

Connect with Olivia and Get information about releases, contests, news and more here:

http://oliviahardinwriter.com

http://twitter.com/oliviaH_writer

http://www.facebook.com/oliviahardin

Follow the Tour The author is giving away three prize packs containing a signed paperback with a bookmark from the Book Swag Shop. $50.00 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate.
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'Cache a Predator' Facebook Event July 30th with Release Day Diva

Officer Brett Reed will do anything to gain custody of his five-year-old daughter, Quinn. But when a judge grants Brett’s drug-addicted ex-wife custody and slaps him with a protective order for losing his temper, he fears for Quinn’s safety. Who will protect her now?

When Quinn is found abandoned on the streets, the child is placed in a temporary foster home until Child Protective Services can complete an assessment. It should only take a few days.

But a lot can happen in a few days.

Especially when there’s a deranged psychopath on the loose, someone who’s attacking pedophiles, someone who wants to protect children like Quinn, and someone who’s planting body parts in geocaching sites.

Cache a Predator is a novel about a father’s love, justice, and the unhinged game of hide-the-cache.

Buy it on Amazon

Join Release Day Diva Tuesday, July 30th from 6-10 pm EST. We'll have games and fun prizes, and you'll have a chance to chat up Michelle Weidenbenner about the book!

Stalker links

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 Hope to see you all there!!

Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

'Dead Angels (Wolves of Calderwood)' by Madelyn Serrato

Horror/Urban Fantasy
Date Published: 3/16/2013

Early morning and a woman lies dead in the street, her end violent and strange. A man loses his mother. A detective finds himself caught between, between the city and the underworld. A wolf wanders aimlessly in search of a killer, in search of an end. All three are haunted by ghosts of half-remembered moments; all three, trapped in a city, this city that holds its secrets loose and its citizens tight. This city of dogs. This city of demons. Calderwood.





Read an excerpt:

Dorsett was home and he couldn’t remember how he got there. Snippets of time and memory gone without a trace. His stomach churned and his skin tingled. He shuddered. He was at home, somehow.

No.

Red crumbling brink and tangled overgrowth. The churchyard. Fingers clutching at stems, pollen clinging to his shirt. He sat down on the couch, inhaling deep the smell of blackberry flowers and midmorning rain. The priest talking to his mother. Holding her hands. No, she holding his. Tearful eyes and a stern look. He could not hear what they were saying. Silent chatter over the screaming of children, bunched together in the parking lot.

Blood in the air. The cat. The dead cat’s contents spilled open into the street. Pavement damp. He knelt next to it, bumping the coffee table with his forehead and falling over. His hands slipped in the offal and he cried out, seeing the tabby’s face for the first time. Eyes half-moons and clouded, mouth parted slightly. Blood clumped its fur and flies were gathering.

He was home. He was home. Home and yet he could smell the rot and digested food in the split stomach. He was choking but couldn’t get away. Couldn’t get up. His hands fumbled, body unsure. The couch pushed him forward and the smell enveloped him. He saw the horror on their faces. Children stunned and silent. And he screamed.

Buy links

Also available on iTunes

Madelyn Serrato was born in California and attended college in Washington, where she received a BA in Psychology. She currently resides in Arizona and will start medical school by the end of the summer. When not writing, she enjoys boxing, reading, and watching terrible movies with friends. Wolves of Calderwood has been a labor of love for many years and is her first published novel. Join her mailing list at http://eepurl.com/Bx6FL.

Demons, Shifters, and Witches, Oh My!

Linked:

Lana Summers doesn't want anything to do with paranormal abilities. She's seen what it did to her mother before her death. Cole Thomas has his own talents, but can Lana accept his when she can't accept her own? Can Cole convince her to embrace her talents--and accept his--in time?

When Lana's house is invaded in the middle of the night by an intruder, Lana awakes to a warning in her dream to Run! The warning came from her dead mother. 

As she flees to the streets via a window, she finds Cole Thomas. He offers to check her house, and decides she needs protection when his shapeshifter talents tell him that Lana's invader wasn't human.

The prophecy must be deciphered--but the one being that knows isn't talking.. Now, it's up to them to figure it out. The clock is running, and time is running out.

The Ancient Prophecy

When Two Become One
And One Becomes Two

Hope Welsh stalker links:

http://hopewelsh.net
http://hopewelsh.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorHopeWelshy

http://twitter.com/HopeWelsh

Baehrly Breathing 

It's difficult to be taken seriously when you are a member of the Magical community and saddled with the unfortunate name 'Goldie Locke'. It certainly doesn't help if you are also about five feet tall, blond, and most commonly described as 'cute.'. What was a girl to do?

Become one of the most dreaded Magical environmental lawyers of all time?

Goldie isn't there yet, but she's well on her way when a case drags her into uncharted territory-- working with Ordinary officials to figure out why 'unusual' remains are being discovered all around New England.

With her hands full and a new dragon on the way, Goldie's hunches about this case may prove to be all-too true-- this stuff is bad business!

Elizabeth A Reeves stalker links:

http://www.elizabethareeves.com  

https://twitter.com/SelkieHorse
https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.a.reeves.7

The Sexy & The Undead

A potion gone wrong, or right?

Single, unemployed, and in charge of her very own pet zombie, Ella Perry is cooking up trouble, and it's raining men.

Ella has spent years searching for a cure for a zombie named Freddie. However, when an experimental concoction takes an unexpected turn, she gets a glimpse of the life she's been missing by hanging out with the undead. 

Charity Parkerson stalker links

http://www.charityparkerson.com
http://charity-thesinners.blogspot.com 
http://www.facebook.com/authorCharityParkersonhttps://twitter.com/CharityParkerso

Breed of Innocence

One goal: Hunt the demon that killed my family. Make that two goals: Survive.

Six hours ago, men in dark suits and sunglasses came looking for me.
Four hours ago, they offered me training to hunt the things that killed my family: demons.
Two hours ago, I joined their secret organization--the CGE.
Now... All I have to do is survive demon-hunting school.

The classes won't kill me, but the finals might.

Warning: This book contains kick-ass (literally) demon-hunters in training, vampires (not the cuddly, marrying type), and sarcastic (and sometimes snarky) attitudes. No humans were eaten during the writing of this book. Bitten doesn't count...right?

Lanie Jordan stalker links:

http://laniejordan.com

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLanieJordan

http://twitter.com/Lanie_Jordan

Buy all four books in one bundle!

Or, click on a book cover to purchase individual titles!

Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

'San Francisco Secrets' by Greg Messel

As the spring of 1958 arrives in San Francisco, it seems that baseball player turned private eye, Sam Slater and his fiancée, TWA stewardess Amelia Ryan, are surrounded by people who have secrets.

A prominent doctor, John O’Dell is being blackmailed by someone who has discovered a dark secret from his past. When the private investigator trying to catch the blackmailer is murdered, Dr. O’Dell hires Sam Slater to try to pick up the pieces. Someone is playing for keeps and will do anything to protect their own secrets.

Meanwhile, Amelia begins her new job as an international stewardess which takes her on adventures to New York City, London, Paris and Rome. In hot pursuit is a womanizing older pilot who has his sights set on Amelia.

Their lives get even more complicated when a mysterious woman from Sam’s past returns.

Sam and Amelia’s relationship will be tested as they work together to solve the mystery on the foggy streets of San Francisco. "San Francisco Secrets" is the exciting sequel to "Last of the Seals" and "Deadly Plunge."

Buy on Amazon

Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

'Crashing the Congressman's Wedding (A Harmony Falls Novel)' by Elley Arden

Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 7/15/2013

Alice Cramer is tired of being pitied for her family’s transgressions, so she resolves to break out of the gutter and into the spotlight. As long as her local congressman can forget about their checkered past and help her secure a federal grant to open Harmony Falls Little Theatre, she’ll be the brightest star in town. But when Alice stands up in church and stops the congressman’s wedding, she dives headfirst into fresh scandal.

Why is Harmony Fall’s golden boy, Justin Mitchell, speeding down the interstate sans a new wife but with the local drama queen he’s been trying his whole life to avoid? Alice Cramer may have saved him the hassle of an arranged marriage to a woman he didn’t love, but she’s put a business transaction big enough to save an entire town in jeopardy–not to mention his reputation.

Soon Alice and Justin are dredging up and indulging in an attraction that threatens all their dreams and aspirations. But what if life together is the dream that matters most?

Buy it on Amazon

Author Bio

Elley Arden is a born and bred Pennsylvanian who has lived as far west as Utah and as far north as Wisconsin. She drinks wine like it’s water (a slight exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness.

Elley has been reading romance novels since she was a sixteen-year-old babysitter, sneaking Judith McNaught and Danielle Steele novels off the bookshelves of the women who employed her. She started her first manuscript when she was twenty-five, writing during babies’ naps. A total of three children and ten years later, the manuscript was complete. Little did she know, her journey to publication was only beginning…

Elley writes provocative contemporary romances for Crimson Romance.

elleyarden.com

Twitter - @ElleyWrites

Facebook

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'Surrender' by Rhiannon Paille

Title: Surrender

Series: The Ferryman + The Flame #1

By: Rhiannon Paille

Published: October 2nd, 2012 by Createspace

Genre-New Adult Fantasy/Romance

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Links-

Goodreads - Amazon Paperback -

Amazon Kindle- Barnes & Noble -

Kobo -Smashwords-

Meet H. Peter Alesso, author of 'Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space'

What was the inspiration behind 'Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space'?

I found that science fiction novels provided wonderful adventures in unexpected places with unusual characters and strange circumstance. I’ve enjoyed them all my life. A recent series by Jack Campbell, The Lost Fleet, offered me some ideas for a plot line and inspired some parts of Midshipman Henry Gallant In Space.

Which character spoke to you the most during the writing process?

I enjoyed many of the characters I wrote about and found the time I spent writing about them both engrossing and pleasant. I was able to see them in dangerous circumstance and rise to the occasion and at other times see them deal with humor and delight. The entire experience in writing this book was fun.

Will we ever see these characters again?

I am hopeful that I can find a compelling plot for a sequel.

Please tell us more about your other published works.

I have written a half a dozen technology books focusing on the more advanced topics of computer science and 'climbed out on a limb' in some cases by projecting  their future development. One book called "Thinking on the Web: Berners-Lee, Gödel and Turing " combines advanced programing in Semantic Web languages with some philosophical insights. I think it offers some entertaining thoughts.

On what other projects are you currently working?

I also develop computer program apps for Android and have worked on a e-book tool.

How does your work as a scientist influence your writing?

I feel that science fiction should be based upon actual scientific principles. I researched the technology included in the story and tried to project their development path into the next century. Genetic engineering is current an important topic in our society and humanity faced difficult choices as it develops over the course of the next century. In Midshipman Henry Gallant, genetic engineering plays an influential role in the background but it is cast against another important innovation that also may prove a future threat: Artificial Intelligence.

Do you tend to read within the same genre you write?

I am a voracious reader. I have habitually read several books a weeks in a wide variety of subjects since I first obtained a library card. I enjoy science, history, biographies, as well as, science and historic fiction.

What is it about the science fiction genre that is so appealing to readers and writers?

I think of science fiction as a thought experiment into the possibilities of humanity. It allows us to explore areas that are not available to a microscope or telescope or other manmade devices.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

I love to read, do word (or math) puzzles. I like to work out both my left and right hemispheres of the brain using a wide variety of skill sets and abilities.\

Thank you so much for your time!

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

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. (Website www.hpeteralesso.com)

Contact: H. Peter Alesso

alesso@comcast.net 

www.hpeteralesso.com

MIDSHIPMAN HENRY GALLANT IN SPACE

By

H. Peter Alesso

BLURB:

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.

Read an 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.

Available in paperback and ebook on Amazon

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