Quest Ad: To Sleep in a Sea of Stars

by Daniel Young

For Quest: Otherworldly Observer

Book: To Sleep in a Sea of Stars

Daniel wrote a brief captain's log of one of the more dramatic opening scenes inspired by events from the book. Its purpose being to entice potential readers into trying the book. Daniel chose to write about the introduction as he felt it would require the least context.

The setting is on one of the fictional planets from the introduction.

It is the year 2257. Humans have practically rendered themselves biologically immortal thanks to the development of STEM shots. Aided by the realisation of the existence of super-luminal space, they have travelled further and farther than previously imagined, extending the influence of the race well beyond the confinements of the solar system. Space itself has been corporatised, with large inter-planetary companies pathing the way for new planets to be discovered, surveyed and eventually settled by colonists. However, their success has not come without equal risk. For reaching out into the dark depths of unknown space may draw forth an unseen enemy.

Captain's Log 2257.6.7-10:00: Today will be our final opportunity to finish surveying Adrasteia, the Earth sized moon orbiting the orange gas giant Zeus, before we rendezvous with our main transport, the Fidanza. Kira, our chief scientist, is finishing the surface examination of a small cave on Adrasteia. If everything goes without mishap, we should be back in two days.

Captain’s Log 2257.6.7-1400: Kira’s signal beacon dispatched a distress call approximately two minutes ago. I’ve dispatched First Mate Allan and a search team to go check on her. I hope it’s nothing serious and that she’s alright. I’ll be monitoring updates from the bridge.

Captain’s Log 2257.6.7-1500: Allan’s shuttle returned with Kira aboard. She’s unconscious but I’ve got Doctor Mendoza looking at her, I hope she’ll be alright. Allan says he found her without her helmet on so there could be exterior contamination involved.

Captain’s Log 2257.6.8-0900: Kira’s condition has severely deteriorated. Doctor Mendoza is confident that it's something from this planet. As a result, I’ll take action to isolate the remainder of the crew in case it's infectious.

Captain’s Log 2257.6.9-1100: Several more of the crew have fallen ill today, it seems whatever is on this planet has started to spread amongst them. First it was Allan, then Mendoza himself. The situation Is rapidly spiraling out of our control. I’ve ordered all non-essential personal into cryostasis hibernation until help from the Fidanza arrives. But who knows what could happen until then...

Link to To Sleep in a Sea of Stars in our school library!