Pandora's Box

by Alan D. Hansen

The New Frontier Has No Law. Only Survivors.

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THE STORY

About the book

Tropes

Revenge Quest

The new frontier has no law. Only survivors.

Humanity's greatest frontier has become its most dangerous. Arthur Park, the first independent nation in space, stands as a beacon of hope beyond Earth's Moon. Under Marshall Salt's leadership, Salt Industries has opened the solar system to miners, pioneers, and dreamers.

But where opportunity thrives, so does greed. Space pirates prey on mining crews while the remnants of the Manifest Destiny Cartel join forces with the ruthless Yamaguchi Yakuza. Their prize is naomium-and the mysterious Pandora's Box technology that could reshape the balance of power throughout the solar system.

After walking away from the Space Guard Academy, Jason Parker is searching for his place among the stars. When the criminal empire that stole his first love also takes the life of the man who believed in him, Jason sets out on a path of vengeance that could ignite a war.

As loyalties are tested and old enemies rise, Marshall Salt and Jason Parker must confront a threat that could destroy everything humanity has built beyond Earth.

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“This is SGP11. We are under attack. Calling for any ship in Zulu Bravo 717 sector for help. Again, we are under attack.” The transmission ended abruptly.

“That’s all there was.” The communications officer reported.

Captains Justin and Ada Nelson were both dressed in matching robes as they had been summoned to the bridge in the middle of the night, ship’s time. Ada had her dark hair back in a long braid. She barely stood five feet three inches in slippers. Her Latina complexion was slightly darker without makeup, and she looked exhausted. Justin towered over her at six feet four inches. He was a lean man with a youthful face even though he was now well into his thirties.

Ada spoke first. “How close are we to sector ZB717?”

“About four hours away at top speed.” The Navigations officer replied without raising his head from his computer screen.

“Do we have any more information? Any follow-up at all?” Justin inquired as the belt of his robe came loose and he reached to tighten it.

“Nothing new. “The Comm officer confirmed. “That was the entire message.”

“Whose ship is the SGP11?” Justin tightened his belt awkwardly.

Charlie Liu entered the bridge fully dressed. “SGP11? That’s Tiffany Sours’ ship. They docked and had dinner with us just before we started mining operations here.” He paused calculating, “Six weeks ago. It would be about time for another resupply with us.” He turned to the communications officer. “What’s going on?”

The Communications officer replayed the message.

“That sounds like Tiffany.” Charlie acknowledged in his deadpan voice. “Nav, do you have a course set yet?”

“Just waiting for the command.” The young man stated.

Charlie turned to the pilot who had the watch. “We ready to make the turn?”

“Final check.” The pilot spoke briskly as he continued communicating with other departments. “Loads area secure, we are clear to go. Glad the call didn’t come in yesterday. We were still stowing drills and final ore loads.”

“Justin?” Charlie glanced over while scanning the various computer screens.

“Go.” Justin confirmed.

The sugar pines stood vigil over a brilliant night sky and framed the grounds surrounding Salt Lodge. The home was nestled just off the trail that ran between 200 meters of planned forest lands on either side of the path. Two red squirrels were arguing over a closed pinecone, but the path was otherwise silent.

Alan D. Hansen