QSFer Serena J. Bishop has a new queer sci-fi thriller out (lesbian, pansexual, non-binary), The Kari Chronicles book 1: Project O.R.C.A..
Based on her examination of different neurological procedures, Project O.R.C.A. was the most feasible way to control her telepathy.
Kari’s telepathic abilities have made life challenging for her. At eighteen and a recent university graduate, she’s desperate to leave home and work in neuroscience. Will a position at inCog help her explore where her abilities come from and how to better control them? She doesn’t know.
But she’s going to find out.
A new job, a new life, and a fresh start on a cruise ship turned business park await her. It’s a thrilling time. But little does she know the excitement will not stop until the ship’s owner’s goals are met. Henry, a billionaire with an interest in unusual sciences, has unique plans for her. Neuroscientist by day, telepathic spy by night. It’s not all bad, though; her clandestine work allows her to see more of the world, receive funding for ORCA, and expose the injustices committed by the affluent.
But the more she delves into the thoughts of the super wealthy, the more dangerous her new life becomes. Soon she has to ask herself, is the money for ORCA worth the risk?
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Excerpt
The coming-of-age drama had the dumbest ending in all of dumb endings. She should have watched the dystopian-dark comedy about artificial intelligence. At least that ending would have been realistic.
Kari went down to the lobby, noted Gia wasn’t behind the desk, and meandered out onto the street. Then, she staggered.
So glad to be out of there.
Feet hurt.
I miss home.
Liars!
She should have known to prepare herself for the barrage of voices that assaulted her: Business people thinking about deals, bike messengers trying to avoid hitting pedestrians, homeless people hoping someone would acknowledge them, street musicians playing and praying for tips. It was all too much. She ran down the block until she found the haven of the park.
It was a good thing inCog was located elsewhere because city living was not for her.
On the other hand, a genuine New York City hot dog from the cart near the park entrance was right up her alley. After buying her dinner, she went into the park and found a quieter, shaded area with a bench to enjoy her meal. The New York City atmosphere was still present—there were still cars honking and people talking—but the only thoughts in her head were her own. And those thoughts were mostly about how yummy her hot dog was.
“Out of all the places in New York, this is your dinner?”
Kari recognized the voice and turned to see Gia in her casual, post-work clothes. Looped around her hand was a leash with a small, mutty-looking dog at the end of it. The maybe terrier-pug looked at her with pleading eyes and licked its chops. “I don’t mind simple,” she said with a broad smile, not taking her eyes off the dog.
Gia lifted her foot to avoid the leash from tangling. “And that officially makes you the complete opposite from the usual hotel clientele. Ridiculous requests are somewhat expected in the hospitality business, but sometimes the demands do get out of hand. Especially on the boat.”
Did Gia mean the boat? “Are you talking about the Hinewai?”
“Indeed, I am.”
“You worked there?” Kari said with a hint of awe and envy.
Gia nodded. “I was a student of World University’s hospitality program, then I was a VIP assistant on the ship. The Hinewai was a very interesting place to work and I saw the world.”
“May I ask why you left?”
Gia tugged the leash. “Come, Ollie.” The little dog walked with her as she sat at the other end of the bench. “I left because . . .” How could I possibly explain this without scaring her?
Kari’s interest piqued now, but she couldn’t let that show. “Was it the no pets rule? I noticed that when I was researching the ship.”
“While I do love pets, that wasn’t it. I was going to say that I started to get the feeling that something odd was going on.”
“What do you mean?”
Gia bit her full lower lip and looked up at the elm giving them shade. Illegal. No proof. Paranoia. How do I say this? “Okay, so as you walk around, take in absolutely everything. How the decks are divided, the people, their uniforms, how they behave, their access, everything. But also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Like, why do parts of the boat have armed guards?”
“That doesn’t seem too weird,” Kari said. “Some high schools in this country have armed guards. Plus, I’m sure the Hinewai would be the target of pirates if they didn’t have the means to defend themselves.”
But a motorized raft at midnight with no lights? “Some areas of the boat also have retina scanners.”
Okay, both the midnight boat rides and that type of biometric security were a touch extreme. “Do you think something shady is happening?”
“I don’t have any proof of that, but if there was, traveling the world is a great way to cover it up, don’t you think?” Gia stood from the bench and Ollie started to walk away, tightening the leash. “Still, I wish you luck.”
“Thank you and . . . can I give Ollie a tiny piece of hot dog?”
Gia chuckled. “Sure.”
Excited, Kari tore a small piece of hot dog and leaned down until Ollie snatched it from between her fingers and then licked every molecule of it from her skin.
Gia grinned and then tugged on the leash. “Come, Ollie.”
Kari watched Gia’s long, muscular legs walk a leisurely pace away as Ollie’s short, fuzzy ones raced to catch up. She ate the rest of her dinner while she pondered Gia’s observations. Secret levels. Armed guards. Retina scanners. One of those factors by itself would raise an eyebrow, but all three had Kari intrigued.
What kind of ship was the Hinewai?
Author Bio
Serena J. Bishop writes stories with humor, heart, and heroines. She is a daydreamer who comes from a long line of storytellers. When she’s not writing fiction she enjoys being a nerd, surprising others with her pop culture knowledge, or finding a new wine or craft beer she loves. She currently resides in Maryland with her lovely wife and chihuahua. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @SerenaJBishop or go to her webpage at www.serenajbishop.com.
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