As the tram began to decelerate, gravity slowly returned. When it came to a stop, James opened his eyes and took a deep breath. After checking himself over to make sure he was presentable, he picked up his bag and stepped out. A man in a crisp business suit stood waiting for him on the other side, with two aides standing just behind him.
It could only be the patrician.
“Mister patrician, sir,” he said, dropping his bag to offer a salute. “It’s an honor to meet you in person.”
“Lieutenant James McCoy, I take it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Excellent. It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well.”
The patrician offered James his hand and gave him a firm, commanding handshake. He was a tall, heavyset man, with a clean-shaven face and receding hairline. His chest and arms were surprisingly strong, though, and his expressive face betrayed a mind that was obviously quite active.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Lieutenant,” he said. “My aides here have briefed me on your entire file.”
“My, ah, file?” James asked. He swallowed nervously and tried not to think about what was in there.
“Yes, yes, of course. You’ve built up quite an impressive service record, with—what? Twenty-one kills?”
“Twenty-six,” said James, his heart racing.
The patrician smiled. “I’ve already spoken with your co-pilot, Ensign Jones. He speaks very highly of you.”
Sterling?
“I’m… glad to hear that, sir.”
“Yes, he’s waiting for us in the car. But first, allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Sara.”
A gorgeous young woman stepped forward, offering her hand. James froze, and his stomach all but dropped through the floor. Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her smile almost made his heart stop. Her form-fitting smart-dress accentuated the natural curve of her hips, while her deep blue eyes shone like the shimmering starfields of deep space.
“Hello,” said James, unable to say anything else. Somehow, he managed to shake her hand without making a fool of himself.
“Hello,” said Sara. “James, I take it?”
“You can call me that,” he all but stammered.
====================
Heart of the Nebula
They called him a lone wolf. Now, he must lead them across the stars.
To save his people from a brutal occupation, James McCoy must lead them on an exodus across the stars. But it will take a strong leader to get them to their new home, and the temptation to trade freedom for security has never been greater.
They called him a lone wolf. Now, he must lead them across the stars.
Five years have passed since the Hameji conquered James McCoy’s homeworld. The yoke of occupation has grown unbearable, and unless he can help his people throw it off, everything that he fought for will be destroyed.
Light-years away, in the heart of the Good Hope Nebula, there is a place where they can start over. But the dangers are many, and the way is unclear. Only a strong leader can take them there.
James once gave all that he had to save the ones he loved. To do so again, he must become the leader that his people need. But he’s never been more than a maverick, and even his friends fear he will trade their freedom for security and lose both.
In a galaxy full of pirates and wolves, how can James save his people without becoming a monster?
