QSFer Gina A. Pond has a new queer hard sci fi book out book out, Survey series book 1: Survey.
This is the start of something huge.
Kiah Hasan, a young, talented computer scientist haunted by her war-torn past, is reaching for something just beyond the edge of theoretical possibility. Her best friend, physicist Nigel Evans, is obsessed with pushing the boundaries of space travel. And Captain Josh Walker? He’s just out here for the adventure – and Kiah. Together with the crew of Trinity station, they head toward the Kuiper Belt – just as simmering political tension on Earth erupts into outright war.
The missiles land.
Time stops.
Al’Awal awakens.
What’s coming next?
Ace, Bi, Demi, Gay, Gender-Fluid, Intersex, Lesbian, Non-Binary, Poly, Trans (FTM, MTF), BDSM/Sex Worker Positive
Get It At Amazon
Excerpt
Nigel and I were having a late lunch in the dining hall on Friday. I was nervous, not just because of the announcement, but because of what would happen later. I hadn’t told Nigel yet that I was going to stand up to my uncle. I wanted to have the letter in hand. I smiled at him. “Thanks for coming to lunch, Nigel.”
“And miss you getting your email? Hell no!”
I sighed. “You’re that sure?”
He just gave me one of his mischievous smiles.
“Nigel…” I said.
“I was good, I promise! I even recused myself when it came to the decision! Honest!” He was practically bouncing in his seat, which meant he didn’t see Philip sneak up behind him, Assassins-style, until Philip slapped a piece of paper on his hand and held it there. “What the hell?”
Nigel said. Philip took his hand away. There was a food ticket for the Eddie’s dining hall on the top of his hand. “Contact poison?”
Philip smiled widely.
“Awww, son of a bitch! I was so close to winning this year! Well, you might as well come and sit with us, you sly bastard!”
Philip laughed. “Nope. I have a lecture in a few minutes. Good luck, Kiah!”
“Uh… thanks?”
“Nigel let us know about the proposal a couple of days ago,” he said, then waved and left for class.
I tried to give Nigel The Look, but he just grinned. I shook my head.
It was just then that my tablet buzzed. I took a deep breath and tapped open my mail. I read it once, then twice, then a third time. “Allahu Akbar!”
I said, and handed Nigel the tablet.
To: KiahHasan@cambridge.ac.uk
From: TrinityMission@jsc.nasa.gov
Subject: Project Acceptance for Deep Space Science Station
Dear Dr. Hasan,
It is our pleasure to inform you that your project has been selected to be included on the Deep Space Science Station (D3S), also known as the Trinity Project. Attached you will find the acceptance form, details of how your project will be funded, the timetable for training and materials transfer, medical forms, and visa requirements.
You must reply to this message, with the acceptance form, within one week to hold your place in the training program. Mission specialists are to report to Houston for training on
September 1st.
Sincerely,
D3S Science Committee.
He read the message, then smiled from ear to ear. “I told you!” he said, handed me back the tablet, then hugged me. I started laughing.
“So? How do we get you there?” he asked, suddenly serious.
“Allah sent me a lifeboat,” I said, half to myself. “I’ll tell my uncle I’m going then figure it out from there.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Nigel asked, looking worried.
“It’ll be fine, Nigel. You’ll see,” I said, sounding braver than I really felt.
“You sure?”
I smiled. “Yes, I’m sure! I’m going to go back to the lab to fill out all the forms, and let my supervisor know!” I jumped out of my seat, grabbed my purse, and ran out.
“Kiah!” I heard Nigel call after me, but I pretended like I didn’t hear him. I had to do this myself. Allah gave me a lifeboat and I would get on it, one way or another.
Author Bio
Rev. Gina A. Pond is a writer, an ordained Christian pastor, and Wiccan priest. She currently lives in Switzerland with her Wife, likes to cook, weave and spin yarn, game a bit, has many fountain pens, and is a gadget geek.
| Author Website | http://revginapond.net |