Hello friends, it’s week four of the blog series “Tell Me a Story” and I am so excited to introduce you to my friend Alex J. Cavanaugh. Hubby and I are big-time sci fi nerds and we love all things sci fi and fantasy. Alex’s books are so much fun to read! If you missed last week’s featured author please click HERE.
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design, graphics, and technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon Best-Sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, and Dragon of the Stars. The author lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Alex likes to keep things a mystery so his image is from his blog/website and Insecure Writers Support Group ( smile).
The ship of legends…
The future is set for Lt. Commander Aden Pendar, son of a Hyrathian Duke. He’s poised to secure his own command and marriage to the queen’s daughter. He’ll stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
But when the Alliance denies Hyrath’s claim on the planet of Kavil and declares war on their world, Aden finds his plans in disarray. Entrenched in battle and told he won’t make captain, Aden’s world begins to collapse. How will he salvage his career and future during Hyrath’s darkest hour?
One chance remains–the Dragon. Lost many years prior, the legendary ship’s unique weapon is Hyrath’s only hope. Can Aden find the Dragon, save his people, and prove he’s capable of commanding his own ship?
Excerpt:
Aden stared at her, his muscles more solid than stone. The councilman courted her as well? Most of Arabella’s suitors did not measure up to him in terms of rank. Or appearance for that matter. Councilman Tyler bested him on both accounts. Worse yet, he was here on Hyrath. Aden did not have that luxury.
Arabella paused, her lips pulled into a mischievous smile. She clasped her hands over her chest and arched her back.
“You are still one of my favorites, Commander,” she said in a smug tone.
Aden took a deep breath and cleared his throat. “That’s nice to know, Your Highness.”
“And, I have missed you.”
Perhaps not enough. “Thank you. Forgive me, but I need to return to my ship.”
“I’m sorry you can’t stay,” she said, offering her hand. “Be safe, Commander.”
His movement stiff, he took her hand and kissed it again. This time the floral smell did not seem so sweet. Aden bowed once before pivoting on his heels. His afternoon lay in shambles and he wanted nothing more than to escape both sources of tribulation and unrest.
Except I can’t run from my duties on the Ryzell, he thought as he entered the transport.
Aden stared out the window on the return flight to the ship, but he didn’t observe the sprawling city below. He focused on the ocean, the waves almost invisible at that height. He felt as lost as those ripples in the mass of sea water. Lost and with no control.
The captain’s assessment of his performance had spurred anger, but this development took Aden beyond that point. It breached his capacity to handle disappointment and smashed it to bits.
It’s a game to you, he thought, his thumb rubbing the worn armrest. You’ll toy with any suitor who comes your way. I don’t mind a worthy chase, but I’m not even available to compete. I can’t win if I can’t play. Damn it, if I want my father’s approval, I can’t afford to lose.
The transport touched down beside the Ryzell. Crews were still loading supplies, and stacks of crates littered the area around the ramp. Aden told the men to step it up before navigating through the maze of containers marked for the galley. Food was always the last item loaded, which meant they were nearing completion.
At least something went according to plan today, he thought as he stepped on the ramp.
“Sir!”
Startled by the voice, Aden looked up in time to see one of the crates slide from the stack. Before he could jump out of the way or raise his arms, someone leaped in front of him, hands blocking the container. The person bumped Aden out of position while twisting the crate the other direction. It hit the ground, taking his rescuer with it. One of the loaders appeared at Aden’s elbow.
“Sir, are you all right?” he gasped.
“Who stacked these containers?” demanded Aden, glaring at the man. “Sloppy job.”
“Sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.”
“No, it won’t.”
Aden glanced at the person by the crate. The dark blue uniform signified a member of the Ryzell’s crew and not one of the loaders. The person still knelt, half bent over, and struggling to stand. Annoyed that the incident had endangered one of his crew, Aden grabbed the person’s elbow and hauled him to his feet.
“At least someone knows what to do in a crisis,” he said, steadying the man.
“I try, sir.”
The soft voice startled Aden. He grabbed a shoulder and straightened the person’s posture. The brim of the hat tipped, revealing his weapons officer’s oval face.
“Ensign Pavott,” he said. Aden regained his composure. “You realize that was foolish. That crate is as big as you.”
Pavott nodded. “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t want it to fall on you.”
Genuine concern colored her words. Aden stared at her a moment, weighing his options. He conceded Pavott had saved him from yet another crappy moment in his long day of disappointments. It was a small mercy.
Are you ready to read the rest? Please click the book image below.
Connect with Alex at Alex J Cavanaugh.com and the Insecure Writers Support Group
Follow Alex on Twitter, please tell him Katherine sent you.
Next week’s featured author is Cynthia B. Ainsworthe
a Rafflecopter giveaway“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He let His grace shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-6:26 NIV
