Quantum Surge

It was the time of the fabled First Colonies. It was humanity's first steps beyond the star of our origin. It was the beginning of a period of great galactic expansion brought on by the discovery of the most minuscule particle in the universe.

It was an age that so tried the soul of humankind as to have nearly brought Homo sapiens to an end.

Promotions came quickly to Tyron Barry. At twenty-one standard years, Barry was the youngest Executive Officer in the North American Union's (NAU) merchant fleet. He'd been in the fleet since running away from home in Gloucester, located in the NAU state of Massachusetts, to join the merchant service four hard years ago, entering as an ordinary spacer landsman. Barry appeared even younger than his age, perhaps the result of light chestnut hair framing soft hazel-green eyes over a cleft chin. First impressions of a mild-mannered lad quickly faded before the onslaught of an aggressive persona and shoulders broad enough to carry the chip that never fell from them.

Mutiny strikes his ship but Barry drives them back and the survivors are isolated in a shuttle demanding the release code. He releases them but then destroys the shuttle. With the captain and half the crew dead, Barry continues their trips but on return to Earth, a friend tells him a senator's son was one of the dead mutineers. His life is in Jeopardy. Everything he's work for is lost and he flees ship. He's directed to an asteroid where a small ship, cleverly stealthed, has been provided for his escape.

Years pass, the ancient nations of Earth are now at war in a conflict confined to their home star system. Kraken, first star colony of the North American Union (NAU), finds itself caught in the middle of the distant conflict with both sides preying upon the colony's exports and lifeblood.

A freighter captained by Jankin Decatur limps home to Kraken Colony. Although Kraken colony is neutral, they were savaged but managed to escape. Expecting to be broken, their captain is instead ordered to a politician's estate on Kraken.

Here, he learns the full story. The colony is trapped. Both NAU and CTAC forces press common spacers into service, murder the officers, and confiscate ships. Kraken will declare independence unless they can find a resolution. Part of the negotiations will be to defend their own shipping and Captain Decatur is given a military commission and a converted freighter. A starship they now insist on classifying a 'frigate'.

Their maiden cruise - Jankin encounters a merchant in the process of being boarded by an enemy frigate. Kraken rangers ...