The Far Star Gambit

A pulse-pounding space opera where ancient alien secrets collide with corporate espionage and military conspiracy Captain Kira Navarros thought she'd left her military past behind, content to haul cargo through the outer colonies aboard her ship, the Trespass. But when her estranged brother Elias—a brilliant xenoarchaeologist—disappears while investigating a legendary alien vessel called the Far Star, Kira is thrust back into a world of danger she'd tried to escape. The cryptic message Elias sends before vanishing shows him aboard a research ship, frantically warning that "they're coming" before the transmission cuts to black. Within hours, military intelligence officers are asking pointed questions, corporate agents are watching her every move, and a hidden data chip reveals coordinates to the edge of known space. The Far Star isn't just a ship—it's a key to the universe itself. Racing against time and pursued by multiple factions, Kira assembles an unlikely crew: Dex Voren, a cynical ex-intelligence officer with a drinking problem; Mira-7, a synthetic human with mysterious origins; and Liam Ortega, a pilot haunted by visions he can't explain. Together, they must navigate the treacherous politics of three different organizations—the military's black ops division known as The Vanguard, the ruthless Axiom Industries, and their own complicated loyalties. But the Far Star holds secrets that go beyond corporate greed or military ambition. Hidden at the edge of the Andromeda Nebula, the massive alien vessel is more than just advanced technology—it's a living entity that connects minds across the galaxy, and it's been waiting eons for humanity to prove they're ready to join a network of civilizations spanning multiple galaxies. When the greatest frontier isn't in space, but within ourselves. As Kira fights to save her brother and protect her crew, she discovers that some doors, once opened, change everything. The Far Star offers humanity a choice: remain isolated in their corner of the galaxy, or take a leap into the unknown that could either elevate the species or destroy it entirely. Perfect for fans of The Expanse, Mass Effect, and Firefly, The Far Star Gambit combines breakneck action with deep character development, exploring themes of family, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be human in a universe where the line between organic and artificial intelligence continues to blur. "A thrilling blend of military sci-fi action and profound questions about consciousness, connection, and our place in the cosmos."