A Home Among The Stars – Trials of the Elected is an epic journey of discovery by one young man, Jared, who suddenly finds himself thrust into an alien civilization struggling to redefine itself in the aftermath of political meltdown. This once huge empire of 327 inhabited worlds has been fractured and weakened. He encounters others not unlike himself, yet rich in unique traditions and strange customs.
There is a purpose in all things that transpire in the universe. Like most of those who dwell in this infinite and diverse galaxy, Jared is quite unaware of the greater scheme that permeates the cosmos. The conflict between good and evil is universal and extends beyond the very boundaries of existence and time.
Without warning or explanation Jared is ripped from the familiar into a situation where he must survive on his own long enough to discover both himself and answers to many questions. Answers that can only be found after he has endured the “Trials Of The Elected”.
It has been said that as mortals our birth is not the beginning, nor is our death an end. Follow Jared through space and across amazing worlds where he makes new friends and dangerous enemies. Share the quest as he starts to piece together the puzzle that has plagued the mind of every sentient being ever conceived. “Is this all I am?”
James Catlin has been interested in Science Fiction and Fantasy since a very early age. From his first encounter with the original Star Trek (Season 2) at age seven to the First lunar landing on July 20 1969, James has been hooked.
In the early seventies his first encounter with swords and sorcery came with the required seventh grade reading assignment of “The Hobbit”. Since then he has enjoyed delving into Role playing, learning historical Sword fighting, building models of Sci-Fi ships and Fantasy creatures, Drawing, storytelling (particularly to his children) and most recently exploring the realm of 3D Art and CGI. Dreaming up new worlds, creatures, technology and cultures has never been a problem for this intergalactic dreamer, but getting those mental images onto paper was another matter.
It took over twenty years to realize that the desire to get his stories in print overshadowed his aversion to the physical act of writing. It took a concerted effort to develop typing skills of more than one keystroke a minute, along with a good deal of loving encouragement from his better half and most staunch fan.
Of all the many things he has done in life, becoming an Astronaut was once at the forefront, but less than perfect eyesight prevented that dream from becoming reality. The setback did not dampen his enthusiasm for or support of advancing space travel and technology.
Orion’s power was nearly spent and it accelerated slowly back toward the other transport.
“Orion. How are you?”
“Functional.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Explain.”
“How do you feel?”
“Unable to answer, insufficient parameters and data references to formulate comparative information.”
“You hurt, don’t you?"
“I am at less than my full potential."
“I am sorry, my friend.”
“Apology noted. Friendship remains unchanged, companionship is worth much risk.”
“Yes, friendship remains unchanged,” Jared repeated solemnly. “Please show me a tactical.”
“The transport is unpowered and drifting, atmospheric integrity has been compromised in several areas. Seven life signs detected.”
“Do we have sufficient power to dock and get the survivors off?”
“Yes. Power recharge is now at 23 percent.”
“Alter course to rendezvous with the transport, but make sure all scanners are on the look out for other hostile vessels.”
“Complying.”
“Try to establish radio contact and inform me as soon as we get within docking range,” Jared said, laying his head back against the seat rest.
“Understood.”
**************
Jared had Shar’ya get the anti-grav stretcher and then he helped haul the unconscious Ceralia back to her quarters. Unfortunately, she came to not far from her door.
“Wha… What’s going on? Why am I on this…” Her eyes locked onto Jared. “You…”
Jared looked at the blonde quizzically.
"Your disrespectful verbal abuse will not go..."
"Verbal abuse?" Jared growled. "I'll give you verbal abuse, you thankless guren! It was you who came bursting onto the bridge demanding to know what fool was driving the boat, at the very moment I was trying to save your arrogant hide! ... I could have left your miserable, worthless butt on the deck to flop around like a beached fish, but nooo, I gotta try and help lug your fat carcass down here so you'd be nice and comfy in your bed. And what do I get for my troubles? More verbal tar sludge from your black pit of imperial flatulence!"
Finally she caught her breath and looked at Shar'ya with hurt in her eyes. "I'm not fat...."