A Science Fiction Novel
by Wayne J. Lutz
Tannon Bessimer, an amateur astronomer, discovers a mysterious object speeding inbound to the solar system. This discovery draws Tannon into unfolding events that change the world. Although not initially obvious, this object is an alien spacecraft harboring artificial intelligence. Its destination within our solar system is not clear.
Tannon (age 39, college geology teacher) is an amateur astronomer who lives with his sister, Kelly (age 32, flight instructor). The lives of Tannon and Kelly are delicately intertwined, and that relationship forms the heart of the story. Within's mainstream orientation, set in the year 2002, will appeal to readers outside the science fiction genre. Kelly provides special intrigue for the reader, with her personal history serving as a major subplot. And there is another character in this novel that may be remembered by the reader over all others -- a cat named EZ. At the request of the alien intelligence, and in a disputed decision by NASA, EZ rides on the Space Shuttle rendezvous mission.
The continually evolving artificial intelligence aboard the spacecraft is autonomous from its distant home planet, and an accident strands the spacecraft in orbit around the earth. The ending is a striking departure from the common "bad aliens" concept, with the earth provided an opportunity for technical and social advancement on a grand scale.
Rewrites of this manuscript have been prompted by consultation with a variety of technical reviewers, including a professional astronomer from the University of Illinois, an Astronomy magazine editor, the English Department Chairman at Mt San Antonio College, and a NASA Space Shuttle expert.
A guaranteed audience for this novel includes the nation's amateur astronomers. This group is easily targeted via advertising in Astronomy magazine or Sky and Telescope.
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