First Light by Casey E. Berger

Introduces the readers to a captivating space opera narrative that intertwines the stories of Jaya, Tynan, and Marantos as they navigate a complex web of power, betrayal, and intrigue. 

Follows the story of Jaya Mills, a young woman who joins the Union Starfleet after her family tragedy. As a lieutenant commander aboard the UNS Avalon, Jaya leads an elite counterterrorism unit and partners with an alien scientist named Tynan Vasuda from the Szacante Federation to investigate a mysterious threat to the galaxy. Together with a diverse group of characters, Jaya embarks on a journey of self-discovery, rebellion, and the quest for truth about her family's past.

On the other hand, Marantos, a bounty hunter seeking to distance herself from her royal family, becomes entangled in a dangerous plot orchestrated by the Sons of Priam, a group vying for control of the United Human Nations. As she attempts to break free from this web of deceit, her path intersects with Jaya and Tynan, leading to a pivotal decision about confronting her past or evading a new threat.

Meanwhile, Jaya's quest to uncover the truth behind her family's tragedy unravels a deeper mystery, challenging her perceptions and beliefs. As these characters' fates intertwine, they must navigate treacherous waters filled with explosive action, compelling characters, and enigmatic adversaries.

This book promises readers a space opera filled with thrilling twists, engaging characters, and a richly detailed universe reminiscent of acclaimed sci-fi series like The Expanse and Mass Effect. It invites fans of the genre to embark on an exhilarating adventure that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

A Night of Celestial Capture: An Adventure Journal

"Captured" in the depths of the universe, the secrets of creation are revealed before my marvelling eyes. On the night of April 4, 2024, conditions are "good" for observing the cosmos.

M42: The Tarantula Nebula

In my viewfinder, M42 shines with golden intensity. Its nascent stars dance around the black centre, like ballerinas in a cosmic waltz. Immense energy radiates from its core, illuminating space (Scientific Fact: 1,500 light-years away).

M44: The Cupera

But it's not all action and drama. M44 appears calm and majestic, its stars glittering like diamonds in a celestial crown. Its calm is refreshing after the Tarantula spectacle.

M51: The Nose Galaxy

And then there's M51, a cosmic whirlpool that awakens my wonder. Its spiral arms unfurl like chrome sails, illuminating space with sublime beauty (Scientific Fact: 27 million light-years away). This active galaxy makes me feel small in the universe.

M101: The Crab Galaxy

But not all objects are so spectacular. M101, with its halo of stars and gas clouds, glows faintly in my viewfinder. Still, its presence reminds me that the universe is vast and unpredictable.

The Greatest Challenge

But it wasn't all easy. The constant haze in Las Vegas tested my skills, but persistence and enthusiasm for astronomy triumphed.

Invitation to the Observatory

If you'd like to immerse yourself in this marvellous universe, I invite you to join me on my next stellar expedition. Together, we will explore the secrets of the cosmos and discover what the celestial night has in store for us.

Though of day, Roman Republic reached the 21st

The other day I was talking on a podcast about time travel and parallel universes and during the conversation it occurred to me that there may be a parallel universe in which the Roman Republic reached the 21st century and has its first colonies on the planet Mars in the year 2030.

So I have asked Copilot's artificial intelligence to make me an image representing that parallel universe. Tell me what you think?

I liked it.