Author: Duane Simolke
Genre: Science Fiction
Book Blurb:
In an alternate reality, the human home world of Valchondria comes together under a constitution based on the Iroquois Federation. Centuries later, the Iroquois scientist Taldra becomes Valchondria’s Leader.
Now Taldra and her twin gay sons must form new alliances as humanity faces a race of alien shapeshifters intent on using people as a food source. One of Taldra’s rivals might pose an even greater threat.
“Refreshingly different, and at its beating heart is some much needed diversity that slots in effortlessly and with purpose.” –Sebastian J. Brook, Doctor Who Online
“Overall, this book was a quick fun read for anyone who enjoys sci-fi and adventure books. The plot was compelling and the characters were engaging.” -Fiction Flock
Excerpt:
“What’s the emergency?” Captain Laaron asked as the elevator opened.
He stepped onto the bridge of the Equestar and nodded at two women, the only crew members not off ship or in engineering. Laaron and his lieutenants wore the red and black uniforms of Degranon’s tenth circle, with no differences that would tell enemies their rank. Red boots stretched above the knees, with ribbed tops curved outward to allow room for daggers or laser pistols.
Lieutenant Em pointed at the starboard image of Wah-edge, the rocky, pock-marked planet they orbited. “Sensors were detecting movement near….” Her eyes grew wide. “Captain, unknown vessels are attacking our miners planet-side, and the replacement shuttle.” Over the past two years, the tall woman with a clean-shaven head had remained calm during a meteor shower, a mine shaft collapse, and a case of oxygen line congestion. Yet, her brown hands shook twice while she spoke.
Lieutenant Kee’s face went even paler than usual while she pushed her long golden hair behind her ears, a nervous habit Laaron often noticed. Her green eyes remained fixed on the center of the bridge, where the hologram in front of Laaron’s chair also showed Wah-edge.
Flashes of light dotted the planet’s surface.
Laaron squinted and sat down. “Alert everyone else, and raise shields.” A glossy, elongated ship rose from Wah-edge. A series of small, golden spikes pointed outward near its front, and a single crystalline spike penetrated both sides of its black metallic middle, near its guns. The design bore little resemblance to the spherical or triangular builds that all of Degranon’s circles preferred. It disappeared into the planet’s protective shadows. “Who is in those ships, and what makes them think they have the right to slaughter us?”
Kee shrugged. “Whoever they are, I’m ready to take them from the sky.”
“We’ll give them a chance to explain,” he told Kee, “and then we start shooting. We just have to hope they’ll pick up a broadcast somehow, and understand it.” He leaned forward into his console. “Computer, transmit the following in all formats. Unidentified space vessels, this is Captain Laaron of the Equestar. We’re Degrans. Stop firing on my people immediately and identify yourselves, or we will retaliate. Out.”
Static filled the com.
A single broadcast came through from one of their crew members on Wah-edge’s surface, from a commander. “I think I’m the only survivor on base,” he said. “Please, captain, don’t let the day team land. You need to—” The static returned.
Copyright 2004-2016 Duane Simolke.
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Author Biography:
Duane Simolke wrote The Acorn Stories, Degranon, Holding Me Together, Sons of Taldra, and New Readings of Winesburg, Ohio. He also co-wrote The Return of Innocence and The Acorn Gathering: Writers Uniting Against Cancer. Three of his books received StoneWall Society Pride in the Arts Awards, and one received an AllBooks Reviewers Choice Award. His writing appeared in nightFire, Mesquite, Caprock Sun, Midwest Poetry Review, International Journal on World Peace, and many other publications.
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