Hoganthology, Alien Dimensions #19, and The Robots of Atlantis

Well, it’s been a busy few months. Quite a lot of writing and reading is involved in the creative writing degree I began this year, and that means not much time to work on anything else.

Having said that, I will get a break from the course between November and February, so I’ve set that time aside to begin work on Alien Dimensions #19 and The Robots of Atlantis.

Though, one of the things that I really want to do with Alien Dimensions is make sure that writers who contribute get something back. This is currently US$10 for a story for the rights for 2 years. It may not seem like much, but on a writer’s income, it’s no longer possible for me to pay that in advance and hope that I get it back through sales of the book.

So, instead, I’m trying something new. I’d like to raise some funds for the next issue of Alien Dimensions, so I’ve put many of my science fiction and fantasy stories into one volume called Hoganthology (the title is a homage to Piers Anthony’s ‘Anthonology’) There are over 47 pieces in Hoganthology. If printed, it would run to about 800 pages in a 5″x8″ book, but it is currently listed on Amazon as having about 600 in ebook form (depending on your device.)

In Hoganthology you’ll find the following:

Section 1 – Short Stories

A Little Matter
The Opposition
Gravity Locked
Still in Beta
Ancient Alien Dinosaurs
Japanese Martian Robot Souls
Oh My God It’s Full of Stars
Alien UFO Disclosure
Pyramids of the Moon
The Hydrofluorons of Krakon 7
Phases of the Moon Base
Interrelations
Surviving Mars
First Interdimensional Contact
Time Sheets
Mate
Robot Solitude
ExtraForestrial
Work After Death
Neko Girl
The Galaxy’s Driving Force
The Old Boys’ Club
Cosmic Joke
The Manipulator
Strange Lands
Layers
Life Choices
Moon Mine
The Secret of Bimini
Tutor Who: Heaven Cent

Section 2 – Flash Fiction

Child Safe
Evolution
Inter-View
Pocket Monsters
The Language Tutor
Controller
Gene-Reality
Rejuvenation
The Exchange
The Ugly Side of A.I.

Section 3 – Children’s Fiction

Alien Alexander – Alien Characters #55
Alien Hannah – Alien Characters #57
Alien Christopher – Alien Characters #60
Alien Alexis – Alien Characters #61
Alien Joseph – Alien Characters #62
Alien Daniel – Alien Characters #64
Alien Saya – Alien Characters #80

Section 4 – Space Opera Poetry

We’ve Been Wordsworthed, We’ve Been Poeed, and We’ve Been Quite Possibly Frosted
An Ode to Space Opera

Bonus Section – Excerpts

Alien Frequency – Chapter 3
The Andromeda Effect – Chapter 61
Temporal Incursion – Chapter 5
Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Cretaceous City – Dinory 1
Ida and the Planet Invasion – 2: Arrival
Gabriel and the Resurrection of Maldek – 3: 10:00am
Tiara and the Comet Apocalypse – Channel One

Bonus Section – The Future

The Robots of Atlantis (Preview) – Wednesday 22nd October 2053
Stellar Flash 2135 A.D.
-Plot Synopsis
-Notes on Location
-Character Biographies
-Extract 1
-Extract 2
-Some lines I’m working on

And more!

So, if you can spare some dollars, or you’re on Kindle Unlimited, it would be great if you could check it out. Find out more here: Hoganthology: Digital

The hope is that sales and page views can raise about US$200 to get started on Alien Dimensions #19. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this ebook, feel free to forward the link or this blog post to them.

Many thanks

Update. Working on the printed version now. 824 pages for US$32.95! Coming Soon!

The Florans Are Here!

The Florans Are Here!

In August I released The Andromeda Effect. Book Two in the Stellar Flash series. You can find out more at the link. One of the story lines explored the Floran race, a race of intelligent plants that made use of biomechanoid plant appliances. The metallic plants would scuttle about, or sit still and be holographic screens or monitors using gases to generate images.

While we have poked a few electrodes into plants over the years to use their electricity, I never thought we were even close to getting a biomechanoid plant.

But, one already exists!

Check out this article on Gizmodo:

Cyborg Houseplant Can Drive Itself Toward the Light It Craves

And here’s the video. How awesome!

I for one, welcome our new Floran overlords. As long as they don’t plan to mulch us.

Audio Book. The Andromeda Effect Stellar Flash Book Two Chapters 1-10 by Neil A. Hogan. Read by a Robot.

Audio Book. The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two Chapters 1-10 by Neil A. Hogan. Read by a Robot.

No time for reading? Pass the time on your morning or night drive with the first 10 chapters of The Andromeda Effect, read by a robot!

It’s available via Youtube, so you can load up the video here:

Please note that this video just contains the first 10 chapters. There are 77 chapters in all.

You can find out more about the book here: The Andromeda Effect

NB: Just checked the recording. No idea why the last couple of minutes have been cut off. A problem with Microsoft Movie Maker, I expect. Here’s the missing section:


The Hangar was reserved for visiting craft, so was quite bare, apart from various biorepair stacks and parts cabinets that lined the walls. Hogart put his hand to the window and peered closer, getting his bearings, then moved towards the door to wait.

In the window reflection he saw his two chosen companions appear not far away and quickly clack and inch up behind him.

“Hangar Bay 27 decompressed. Attack ship on reverse thrusters, and slowing. Front cone drill active.” The A.I’s voice echoed around them. “The vessel is adjusting its speed for careful penetration rather than ramming.”

“Sounds like it knows what the Stellar Flash is made of,” said Puppy, as they reached the transparent metal of the Hangar bay door. Energy shields had been erected inside so that, as soon as it happened, the ship wouldn’t be able to move any further.

Hogart trusted the A.I. would do what she needed to do at the right moment.

“Impact in 5…4…3…2…”

Moments later, the roof of the hanger phase-shifted, and the nanite shield split and rushed apart, creating a hole large enough, just as the enemy ship was about to hit the outer surface. With nothing to land on, the artificial gravity quickly pulled it through the ceiling, and it crashed to the floor, spinning awkwardly, as hard-light beams began to slow it and hold it in place.

The A.I. reactivated the ceiling, repressurized the room, then released the door. Hogart, along with his security guard and translator, stalked in, nanite suits on and guns at the ready.

“Ready to attempt translation, Cuddly?”

“Yes, Sir!”

The light beams slowed the ship to a stop, and positioned it the right way up. With a clang, the entrance door hit the ground, and to everyone’s surprise, a Floran in military regalia stood in the opening.

Hogart immediately noticed that the Floran was wearing 22nd century decorations.

He briefly looked back at Puppy and Cuddly, and shrugged. Cuddly waved an upper proleg in understanding. No special translation was necessary.

Their language systems would work just fine.

Hogart took a step towards the Floran. “I see. You thought you could come back in time and recapture me here, did you?”

The Floran looked at him coldly with its stamen-like eyes and orchid-flower mouths. “I don’t know you, and I have only two objectives. You have prevented objective one. Speaking of which…” Then the Floran turned to the ship. “Computer. Self-destruct.”

The Floran’s ship complied. “Self-destruct initiated. Stellar Flash sterilization program commenced. Power and energy build up, confirmed. Goodbye Commander Skrgypst. Six… Five…”

“Noooo!” yelled Hogart.

Not that yelling would do any good.

Audio Books Read by a Robot. Stories by Neil A. Hogan. New page online

Audio Books Read by a Robot. Stories by Neil A. Hogan. New page online.

I’ve just added a new page to the site. Audio Books. Audio Stories By Neil A. Hogan. Read by a Robot.

I created these audio versions a while ago, but hadn’t created a page for them yet. If you prefer listening to a story rather than reading them, these audio versions are available as Youtube videos.

This one is the most recent upload:

Enjoy!

The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two Chapter 10 by Neil A. Hogan

The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two

By Neil A. Hogan

Chapter 10

Hogart headed for the Center bridge, worried about their impending situation. As a technologically augmented human, he was quite happy to rely on his software implants, external A.I. inputs, and information from his crew to help him predict future events, as he always knew that, no matter how accurate they may sound, nothing was set in stone. But, he had a hard time dealing with the idea that deaths for many aliens were predetermined before birth.

Of course, if he really wanted to know when his would be, he could simply request access to the universal mind on Frequency Seven, hear from versions of his future self, then choose which life path to take that would lead to that destiny.

But Hogart liked his restrictive existence. There was a vaguely pleasantly relaxing feeling about believing that everything in the future could change, and that he could somehow live forever.

Knowing Ssyrer and five others were going to die on this mission was quite disturbing. He didn’t want to lose any of the crew, ever. But, occasionally, it happened.

His mind took him back to a time when his close friend and co-guard, while escorting one of the galaxy’s many empresses, was struck down by a neurotoxic bullet when he was the first to exit the passenger drone. Even though the memory had faded in the past twenty years, Hogart still clenched his fist in anger from the loss.

Since then, many had died as he had risen up the ranks, but it was usually the frontline soldiers, or people several positions removed. The further up he went, the further away he was from death.

He hadn’t been in the firing line for a long time.

But this new job, as captain of the Stellar Flash, meant there were only vague levels between everyone. More scientific than military, the First Contact mission also meant that chains of command were there purely to enable easier organization. All the crew were important people from their own races, and in that sense, everyone was his equal. It also meant that he would get to know all of them by the end of their seven-year mission, and any deaths would be felt quite keenly.

He only had himself to blame, of course. One of the things that got him this position was his interest in experimenting with new policies and procedures. He’d agreed to the recall chip implant. He’d agreed to be the first ship to test receiving death memos. He’d agreed to so many other things.

Introducing the update that there would be deaths, meant that Hogart now had an opportunity to avoid the situation, and not meet those crew members who were due to die, or actively seek them out and be a counsellor to them.

But, would he really be counselling them, or merely relieving himself of guilt?

And then, of course, it was unknown what time they would die. His natural human instinct made him uncomfortable attempting to meet them anytime soon. He didn’t want to be there at that moment, though as Captain, perhaps he should be.

But Ssyrer was special. He’d met her after their previous mission, and they’d had quite a chat in the station bar.

The news had been saddening.

Hogart decided, then and there, that knowing that there were going to be deaths should never be told to someone running a mission. He would submit a report as soon as he got back with that recommendation advising of the distraction, and how it would impair his ability to command.

Not to mention worrying about the impending video messages he would need to create for their families.

And then, there was one that was listed as anonymous. 300 people on board, and any of them could die at any moment.

He looked down the corridor towards the Center entrance. It was a bit of a walk for most humans. He could have just flashed there, but the idea of long corridors for able-bodied humans was to keep everyone fit. And, that was so important when many spent years in space in different gravity environments.

The International Coalition also encouraged wide spaces. They advised the humans should always be given plenty of opportunity for thinking time. Ideas came in moments of solitude, meditation and relaxation, and if the human race was to survive another thousand years, these break times must always be included. With humans reducing recreation, eating, and bathroom times, sometimes the only time they could think clearly was on a long and boring walk.

He looked down the corridor again. Almost there. What else did he have to think about?

That picture John had sent him.

The image he had seen of the Stellar Flash, and that asteroid not far away, was concerning. The evidence was there that they would arrive. He couldn’t change any of it. But would they return?

He should his head. He had to concentrate on the mission ahead.

His main crew looked at him as he entered the Center, and he knew, even with their alien body language, that there was some semblance of concern. They’d worked with humans long enough to pick up on a few things.

In just a few hours he had been captured, tortured, escaped, regenerated, updated on a mission, told six crew members were going to die, and now he was about to time travel back 2.5 million years to another galaxy, probably in the middle of an ancient interstellar war.

A normal day at the office.

“Getting up to speed is a lot harder than I thought it would be,” he said aloud, rubbing his eyes. He turned to Spiney. “So, your rescue with the new system was what stripped my skin, not anything the Florans did?”

“I’m sorry, Sir,” said Spiney. “We were attempting to find a way to avoid what had happened last time you were trapped – when you got glued to a wall on the Mushbug’s planet in Frequency One.”

Hogart could barely remember the situation, as it had been within a frequency level that was difficult for humans to recall, but according to the reports, he hadn’t been able to move as his nanite suit had been stuck. This new experiment should have enabled him to escape from any trapped situation safely, even if his nanite suit couldn’t.

If it had worked properly.

“I could have lost more than my hair!” He adjusted his pants, feeling uncomfortable.

“Anything you lose can be grown back,” stated Spiney, “as long as you don’t lose your life.”

“I think we just need to go back to flash bands for the time being. While no one really cares these days if someone is bald, I personally care. I like my hair. I don’t want to keep losing it every time I need to escape from somewhere.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Hogart turned to the rest of the Center crew. “Alright, I’m sure everyone has read the mission briefing. I’ve also received some additional intel. It’s possible we’ll be under attack the moment we arrive.”

“Ready to flash when you are, Sir,” said Tonderai.

Hogart nodded, then blinked. Things were blurred. He was in the corridor, and then…

Where was he? Aliens standing at white terminals. An attractive, green humanoid girl at the far end, staring at him – Tonderai. A 360-degree surround screen with an image of Saturn, looking up at them.

Oh. On the ship. The Stellar Flash.

Things seemed blurry, warped. Translated voices echoed.

Was he feeling faint? He reached a hand up to rub his temple and almost missed. Probably the after effects of everything. That hit on the head from the Floran. He touched his temple, confusedly. No bump? Amy must have fixed it quickly.

His security officer, Puppy, looking more like a giant spider with twelve legs, waggled the back of his head slightly. For his frightening bulk and alienness, he was probably the most human among them. Puppy was at the other end facing outward, but his back eyes were continually observing. Were they showing concern?

Of course, Puppy was used to hairy beings like himself, and Hogart had just lost all his hair. He guessed he might be a little bit more worried about him than usual.

Hogart blinked. Again he’d lost focus. What was he about to do? He shook himself again. Had the Florans done something to him?

He called up his mind-view system again. All hormone levels that helped focus thought, and even his dopamine levels, seemed to be normal, though dopamine was on the lower side.

Lack of exercise, probably. The corridor wasn’t enough.

He looked at his crew again. What did Torus do again? Was it Geo or Torus that was the astrophysicist? Cuddly was communications, and his second officer, but Spiney was his First Officer, and what? Advisor? Ideas man?

He clenched his fist in frustration. He couldn’t command like this.

There was an option he hadn’t used before. Template Hogart. All the basic memories he needed to be able to captain a crew. He tapped into it. His previous copy-self could take over while he worked this out

For a moment it was strange relinquishing control to a copy version of his memories, but eventually he found it soothing. He saw his arms and body move from behind his eyes, not worrying about anything, knowing his robot-like self would be even more efficient than he could ever be.

His copy-consciousness placed his physical hand on the white panel in front of him ready to send a message.

“I might even have a quick nap,” Hogart thought to himself. “I should have delegated to myself before.”

“All personnel,” he heard himself say, accessing recent memories. “We are about to jump into deep time. This mission back to 2.5 million years ago is strictly off the public record. We don’t want civilian Terrans knowing it’s this easy to time travel. As usual, Earth Council will be recording your thoughts via Greg and our Storyteller system. Thank you. Get ready for flash jump.”

He then took his hand off the screen and pointed at Tonderai. “Over to you, um, Officer Tonderai.”

She looked quizzically at him for a moment, then nodded and closed her eyes. Her green and olive face seemed to waver slightly as she linked completely with the ship’s Higher Intelligence and its A.I., then activated the flash jump drive.

The split central pole began flickering with white streaks of light, as the energy for the flash jump built. Then a white sphere of dark energy and liquid light began expanding from the gap in the center, mini vortexes creating faintly colorful swirls on its surface as it enveloped the control room. The light expanded through the walls, across the entire ship, and filled the triangular craft with a bright light, before swallowing the structure.

Outside the Stellar Flash, a spherical energy field formed around it, isolating it from the rest of the universe. Moments later, the ship disappeared from the Solar System.

It briefly appeared outside space/time in a grey nothingness void known as the template level reality, reconfirmed its path to a nearby galaxy, adjusted for the new space-time differential, then reemerged in deep time, 2.5 million Terran years ago.

Inside, the energy had dissipated. On the surround screen, Saturn had disappeared, the image now replaced by a massive blue star, the intense light suddenly turning everyone into vague shadows.

And, immediately, the firing began.

“Shields at maximum!” yelled copy-Hogart. “Confirm location!”

“The Stellar Flash has unlimited power,” said Spiney. “They’re always at maximum. Also, the external hull is slightly out of phase with the rest of the universe so, unless the attacking ship is made of the same material, or utilizes similar exotic particles, none of their weapons can penetrate.”

The original Hogart temporarily overrode his copy-self. “Oh, of course! Just making sure.” His copy-self backup didn’t have all the updates. Perhaps he couldn’t take that nap after all.

“Location and time zone confirmed,” said Tonderai. “Area NGC 206 of the Andromeda Galaxy, about 2.5 million years ago. Current space-time vibrating at 180 cycles per second.”

Hogart took a breath, and tried to focus on the bright shadows in front of him. “Almost Frequency One. Right. We might forget some of this. So, who is firing on us? And could someone dim that sun?”

“Dimming now, Sir,” said Geo, reaching out one of his drop shapes and sending the thought to his panel.

The star light dulled, and the room returned to normal brightness. Geo then redirected the focus of the surround screen, and it zoomed in on a small asteroid heading towards them. Fiery green bolts were shooting out of the front of it, and the Stellar Flash was pulsing with each impact, reestablishing its path again and again as the collisions tried to knock it into a trajectory towards the star.

Was it a mobile military base?

Then Hogart noticed the funnels sticking out from behind it. “You’ve got to be kidding me! Who would stick an engine on an asteroid? Where’s the maneuverability?”

Torus was first to scan it and show the schematics. “Sir, it seems that these devices are not built into the rock. Rather, using a combination of mechanics, organics, phase shifting and flash technology, it is in fact a ship that has burrowed into the asteroid.”

“A burygine!” said Hogart. “It’s a ship from the ancient galactic war in the Milky Way. We studied them in school. I had no idea they had been in the Andromeda Galaxy as well.” No wonder John had been a bit vague on details. There was no way to be sure unless you were next to one. By then, it was usually too late.

As if to reinforce that point, the asteroid split apart, and an unwieldy looking vehicle with a sharp point was revealed. There was a brief reddish light, the rocks around it vaporized, and then the ship launched itself at the Stellar Flash, like a lizard attacking prey.

“Alert,” said the AI. “Exotic particles detected in the drill bit. Compatible with the Stellar Flash outer hull. Penetration likely.”

Hogart turned to his first officer, and threw his hand out in frustration at him, about to say, “you had to say it,” then he pulled his hand back and sighed. Of course, Spiney wouldn’t get the joke.

He looked over to Puppy, who winked one of his 12 eyes at him. His sign that he had got it. Hogart grinned to himself, then turned back to Spiney, trying to figure a way out of the situation. They could stand here all day and be fired upon, but if the ship was about to drill in, that was another situation altogether.

“What about our nanite repair systems?” asked Hogart. “Can they defend the hull?”

“The nanite shield will withstand the drill for a few moments before structural integrity fails.”

Hogart swore, then turned to the ship’s pilot. “Josie. How will this affect your merger with the ship?”

“Already getting future feedback from an alternate timeline,” said Tonderai, gritting her teeth. “It’s going to be pretty painful.”

“How quickly can we turn the ship and threaten them with the dark energy beam?” Everyone was silent, their alien faces unreadable. The Stellar Flash’s maneuverability was a sore point. “Forget I said anything. Cuddly, can you communicate with them?”

“I’ve sent several contact messages, but either they are ignoring them, their communications systems are not compatible, or their ancient language is not in our database.”

“Geo, can you calculate where it’s most likely to attack first?”

Geo flipped another drop open, revealing his hairy eyes, and blinked. “Your guess is as good as mine, Sir. The ship is powering left then right thrusters randomly so that we cannot calculate its exact final position, though it is still heading straight for us. It plans to attack somewhere.”

“Right! Give me a vague estimate.”

“If the timing remains the same, if they fire their right thrusters just before impact, it’ll be above scout ship Hangar 27.”

“Great! I’d just like to remind everyone that this is a research vessel, and I would prefer not to fire on that ship. I’d rather capture, learn and release if possible. So, here’s my plan.”

Hogart outlined his idea, and everyone set to work.

 

Moments later Hogart flashed outside of Hangar bay 27. The area was in one of the outer corridors of the ship, and he could look through the corridor window and see the massive space. Big enough for 5 scout craft.

The Hangar was reserved for visiting craft, so was quite bare, apart from various biorepair stacks and parts cabinets that lined the walls. Hogart put his hand to the window and peered closer, getting his bearings, then moved towards the door to wait.

In the window reflection he saw his two chosen companions appear not far away and quickly clack and inch up behind him.

“Hangar Bay 27 decompressed. Attack ship on reverse thrusters, and slowing. Front cone drill active.” The A.I’s voice echoed around them. “The vessel is adjusting its speed for careful penetration rather than ramming.”

“Sounds like it knows what the Stellar Flash is made of,” said Puppy, as they reached the transparent metal of the Hangar bay door. Energy shields had been erected inside so that, as soon as it happened, the ship wouldn’t be able to move any further.

Hogart trusted the A.I. would do what she needed to do at the right moment.

“Impact in 5…4…3…2…”

Moments later, the roof of the hanger phase-shifted, and the nanite shield split and rushed apart, creating a hole large enough, just as the enemy ship was about to hit the outer surface. With nothing to land on, the artificial gravity quickly pulled it through the ceiling, and it crashed to the floor, spinning awkwardly, as hard-light beams began to slow it and hold it in place.

The A.I. reactivated the ceiling, repressurized the room, then released the door. Hogart, along with his security guard and translator, stalked in, nanite suits on and guns at the ready.

“Ready to attempt translation, Cuddly?”

“Yes, Sir!”

The light beams slowed the ship to a stop, and positioned it the right way up. With a clang, the entrance door hit the ground, and to everyone’s surprise, a Floran in military regalia stood in the opening.

Hogart immediately noticed that the Floran was wearing 22nd century decorations.

He briefly looked back at Puppy and Cuddly, and shrugged. Cuddly waved an upper proleg in understanding. No special translation was necessary.

Their language systems would work just fine.

Hogart took a step towards the Floran. “I see. You thought you could come back in time and recapture me here, did you?”

The Floran looked at him coldly with its stamen-like eyes and orchid-flower mouths. “I don’t know you, and I have only two objectives. You have prevented objective one. Speaking of which…” Then the Floran turned to the ship. “Computer. Self-destruct.”

The Floran’s ship complied. “Self-destruct initiated. Stellar Flash sterilization program commenced. Power and energy build up, confirmed. Goodbye Commander Skrgypst. Six… Five…”

“Noooo!” yelled Hogart.

Not that yelling would do any good.

 


The Andromeda Effect. Stellar Flash Book Two by Neil A. Hogan

Now Available in Digital and Print

Sent back 2.5 million years in time to the Andromeda Galaxy to investigate why there’s a record of them having been there, the Stellar Flash crew encounter a creature so powerful that it has taken control of the entire galaxy by thought alone.

With most of the crew unconscious, Captain Jonathan Hogart is in a race against time to defeat the plant-planet, save the galaxy, and find a way to return to 2133.

But another force is attempting to take control, to use the power of the creature from the past to take over the Milky Way Galaxy in the present. And, for this, Hogart has no defense.

How is the creature controlling an entire galaxy?

Who has the technology to transmit the creature’s power from the past to the present?

And will the Stellar Flash crew and the Space Station team be able to save both galaxies?

Available now at –

  

Amazon Digital  Amazon Print

Barnes and Noble Digital

Rakuten Kobo Digital

The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two Chapter 9 by Neil A. Hogan

The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two

By Neil A. Hogan

Chapter 9

In the wide-windowed leisure area of the Stellar Flash, a yellowish grub-like alien was decorating. She slid across the floor, up one of the windows, and over to the stage area of the large room, her antennae flickering wildly while her millions of almost invisible feet tapped the nanites in the transparent metal one by one. The microbots sent happy signals of welcome with each tap, and she shivered pleasantly.

She was going to miss this reality.

Grabbing part of a long, plastic tube, she spat on the end and stuck it to one of the bars that divided the windows, the nanites immediately understanding what she wanted. They built out a stronger attachment to hold it in place, then pulled slightly. The tube unfurled further, and straightened across the intervening space. Ssyrer then slid down, went over to the far side and attached it to an adjoining wall.

As the tube lifted higher, it inflated, words flickering across it as balloon-like decorations, well, ballooned from it.

Her translator replaced the words in her mind-view system. “Happy Death Day.”

She checked her timing. It was only about an hour away. She was going to be the first on this mission, and she was already prepared. Her bequeathments had been inscribed, her friends and family had been informed, and she had deleted all her digital accounts, sold off all her possessions, forgiven those who had slighted her and asked for forgiveness from anyone she had hurt in her life.

She was ready.

She wondered what it would be like. She knew it would be some kind of explosion, but she had no idea what would cause it, or where.

Just then, the front entrance opened and a hairless Captain Hogart strode purposefully over, sadness on his human face.

He quickly threw out his arms, pushed his stomach out and pulled it in, then closed his arms again – the closest humans could approximate for her race’s method of greeting.

She spread her front and undulated it slightly, then pulled it back in. “It was really nice of you to visit, Sir.”

“Of course, Ssyrer,” said Hogart. “When I heard, I wanted to say goodbye before the party started.” He looked about admiringly. “I love how you’ve decorated the place. You know, you could have just let the robots do it.”

“I know,” burbled Ssyrer. “It helped me to focus on something else – to keep my mind off things.”

“So, what do Slimonoids drink, anyway?”

Ssyrer split into three, and one third of her went over to one side of the room, while another third went to the other side. Those pieces reached long tendrils up to various shelves to indicate some containers, while the first piece spoke. “This is a bacteriological soup that gives us enormous energy, stimulating our electrolytic functions. And this drink here enables detoxification of the cells. We drink both of these every day.”

Her pieces came together again and Hogart felt a little embarrassed. “Thank you, Ssyrer. Sorry, my translator mustn’t be working properly. I meant a drink as in something that may intoxicate or change your perception of the world.”

Ssyrer made a sound that was almost like a burp, which Hogart knew to be her way of laughing. “Captain, we’re always intoxicated. It’s these sobering drinks that help us to focus in your reality. A bit like some of you having what you call L-Tyrosine to increase your dopamine levels.”

“So, if you don’t drink anything tonight, you’ll be too drunk to work?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Amazing!”

They laughed together for a moment, then Hogart grew serious again. “I’m really sorry that it’s going to happen on my ship.”

“All part of the great plan.”

Hogart bowed in respect.

Ssyrer bent her head a little in return. “Well, off you go. You have a ship to run!”

“Yes. Thank you for your work. Hope to see you again before you go.” Then Hogart turned sadly, and left.

Ssyrer watched him go. As he left, some of her guests began arriving. She threw a tendril out and grabbed a drink. She would need to be at her most alert for what was to come.


The Andromeda Effect. Stellar Flash Book Two by Neil A. Hogan

Now Available in Digital and Print

Sent back 2.5 million years in time to the Andromeda Galaxy to investigate why there’s a record of them having been there, the Stellar Flash crew encounter a creature so powerful that it has taken control of the entire galaxy by thought alone.

With most of the crew unconscious, Captain Jonathan Hogart is in a race against time to defeat the plant-planet, save the galaxy, and find a way to return to 2133.

But another force is attempting to take control, to use the power of the creature from the past to take over the Milky Way Galaxy in the present. And, for this, Hogart has no defense.

How is the creature controlling an entire galaxy?

Who has the technology to transmit the creature’s power from the past to the present?

And will the Stellar Flash crew and the Space Station team be able to save both galaxies?

Available now at –

  

Amazon Digital  Amazon Print

Barnes and Noble Digital

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The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two Chapter 8 by Neil A. Hogan

The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two

By Neil A. Hogan

Chapter 8

2.5 million years ago, a conical, seed-like ship skirted the gravity curve of a blue star, flickers of green pulsing along its hull. Its sharp tip, punctuated with deep curves that circled to the main bulbous and spotted control section, began to turn, spinning faster and faster.

It had one target – a lone asteroid in orbit.

With a burst of speed, the burygine shot across the remaining space, and slammed through the soft surface of the asteroid, barely slowing as its tip bore its way into the loosely packed rock. Within moments, only its EM drive funnels were visible.

Spikes quickly protruded from the hull of the ship, holding it in place, and a field expanded around the asteroid, merging it with the ship. EM pulses were modified for the increased mass, and the asteroid began changing position.

Skrgypst, the Floran commander inside the ship, felt slightly disappointed that she could not take part in the eons-old war, but she knew she had another mission. One that was a lot more important. One that could change the future from her point in space/time.

If she could complete her mission, the Florans would rule the galaxy once more.

“Status!” she ordered.

“We are in the exact position as per the instructions,” said the A.I. in a voice that sounded like running water. “The enemy ship should be appearing soon. Subjugate or sterilize. Prevent the Great Collapse.”

The commander furled and unfurled her fronds in anticipation. There were no laws where she was now. She would take over the Stellar Flash and everything on it, and there was nothing anyone could do about it. “Prevent the G.C.,” she responded in a rustle of leaves.

If she knew what laughing diabolically and maniacally was, she might have done it now. But, as she was plant-based, the thought never occurred to her. Her only goal was to complete her mission, no matter what.

It would be so easy. She only had to wait.

And then a new timeline would be created, and the Floran race would rule again.


The Andromeda Effect. Stellar Flash Book Two by Neil A. Hogan

Now Available in Digital and Print

Sent back 2.5 million years in time to the Andromeda Galaxy to investigate why there’s a record of them having been there, the Stellar Flash crew encounter a creature so powerful that it has taken control of the entire galaxy by thought alone.

With most of the crew unconscious, Captain Jonathan Hogart is in a race against time to defeat the plant-planet, save the galaxy, and find a way to return to 2133.

But another force is attempting to take control, to use the power of the creature from the past to take over the Milky Way Galaxy in the present. And, for this, Hogart has no defense.

How is the creature controlling an entire galaxy?

Who has the technology to transmit the creature’s power from the past to the present?

And will the Stellar Flash crew and the Space Station team be able to save both galaxies?

Available now at –

  

Amazon Digital  Amazon Print

Barnes and Noble Digital

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The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two Chapter 7 by Neil A. Hogan

The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two

by Neil A. Hogan

Chapter 7

Patel held his flash band to his cheek and began hurrying down the long corridor towards Ring Two. “Running to the rendezvous point. Can’t you just send it to me?”

Life had returned to normal on the station, and people had resumed their usual responsibilities. Patel quickly dodged a family of floating balloon-aliens, and continued on his way, the black ribs of the corridor quickly being replaced in his run by tourist stalls and viewing areas.

“Just flash here!” said a Japanese-accented male voice via the device.

“Too conspicuous. And besides, I need the exercise.”

“And running through a crowd of people is not conspicuous?”

Patel saw a group of joggers weaving their way on the other side of the wide corridor, and neatly joined in behind them. “Not in the slightest. Anyway, I think I’ve done enough flashing for today.”

A few minutes later he was at the construction area of Ring Three, barely out of breath. The curves of the rings were in shadow against the brightness of Saturn, lit only by the occasional flickering of light from the builderbots attaching new sections.

“Well? What’s the situation?” He slowed his pace as he approached the tall man with tanned, leathery skin and white hair.

Professor Hiro Watanabe pointed at the flickering holographic image which displayed a black triangular ship, floating near a large blue star. Three lights under each corner, with one large light in the middle, they both knew it was the Stellar Flash. “It’s a composite video from various satellites around the Solar System, and the Astronomical Society’s Higher Intelligence has taken into account time dilation effects of the light getting to us, but I think the scene has been slowed anyway, from the gravity curve of the blue star.”

“So, they might have only been there for a day, but the star’s gravity might mean we’ll be watching this image for weeks?”

“Maybe centuries. We’ve only just discovered it. This area of the sky hasn’t been monitored for decades!”

Patel looked annoyed at the image. They had to send the crew now, but they still had no further information. He had hoped to have given them some idea as to what to expect. “Any cameras focused on that area from one of the dwarf galaxies beyond Andromeda? I’d like to know what’s on the other side of that star.”

“Not yet. All our cameras are focused either inwardly from outside or outwardly from inside the Milky Way. We haven’t started that field of historical exploration. And with all the records from the Interdimensional Coalition. we thought we wouldn’t need to. But, I have found something you might be interested in.” Watanabe reached into the image, added a filter, and expanded a section.

“It’s just an asteroid,” said Patel, brow furrowing.

“Not exactly.” Watanabe zoomed further, then pointed at what looked to be a metal funnel of some kind sitting on the top of the asteroid.

“It has buildings?” asked Patel.

“Look closer.”

Patel peered at the screen, then stepped back in shock. “My God!”

Watanabe nodded, then indicated another celestial object not far away. “There’s another one over there.”

“I don’t know how this is going to help Jonathan, but send that image to him anyway. He’s not going to believe it!”


The Andromeda Effect. Stellar Flash Book Two by Neil A. Hogan

Now Available in Digital and Print

Sent back 2.5 million years in time to the Andromeda Galaxy to investigate why there’s a record of them having been there, the Stellar Flash crew encounter a creature so powerful that it has taken control of the entire galaxy by thought alone.

With most of the crew unconscious, Captain Jonathan Hogart is in a race against time to defeat the plant-planet, save the galaxy, and find a way to return to 2133.

But another force is attempting to take control, to use the power of the creature from the past to take over the Milky Way Galaxy in the present. And, for this, Hogart has no defense.

How is the creature controlling an entire galaxy?

Who has the technology to transmit the creature’s power from the past to the present?

And will the Stellar Flash crew and the Space Station team be able to save both galaxies?

Available now at –

  

Amazon Digital  Amazon Print

Barnes and Noble Digital

Rakuten Kobo Digital

The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two Chapter 6 by Neil A. Hogan

The Andromeda Effect: Stellar Flash Book Two

By Neil A. Hogan

Chapter 6

On the Stellar Flash in the medical bay, after an hour of injections by robots, monitoring by systems, tissue regenerative sprays, and other rejuvenation procedures, Hogart was finally able to feel free of the pain that had been overwhelming him. It had been so strong that he couldn’t even activate his mind-view system, or other implants for that matter. In fact, it looked like his mind-view system had never even started. Strange. Maybe the crack to the skull had damaged it. He activated it now, and did a quick scan of his body. All systems go.

Then he opened his eyes, and saw a strange blur on his lens.

Eyelashes and eyebrows were gone, so his view should have been even clearer, apart from his nose being there. So, why the blur? Did they slice some of his iris too?

Just then he felt a warm liquid slide off him, and his view became clear. Had Amy been…? The mind-view system confirmed that she had been closely wrapped around him, possibly for over an hour.

He grinned. “Amy, I’m really flattered.”

The gelatinous blob slid off him and down to the floor, then rose in a pole shape. Moments later the green goo had flattened out into a feminine humanoid shape with long, dripping green hair, and all the right curves, her translator repositioning itself on what could be termed an upper arm. “Ahem, Captain Hogart. I was just doing my job. You had your entire upper epidermis removed, and even in this highly sterile environment, there was a chance of infection.”

“Of course,” said Hogart, still grinning. “I’m very appreciative.”

Then Amy looked down his naked body, and said pointedly. “As your doctor, and xenobiologist, I’m happy to also say that your reproductive systems are functioning well for your age.”

“My what?” Hogart raised his eyebrow muscles, then looked down at his body to see…

He quickly leapt off the table, grabbing a sheet to wrap around him, concealing his embarrassment. “Ahem. Well, this is what is technically termed on my world as a morning glory.”

Amy laughed. “Good to know.” She slid across the floor to the door, briefly indicating a pile of clothes on the table next to them. “Your blue uniform is there. Have a quick shower, get dressed, and meet us in the Center. Spiney is in charge until you return. Ship complement is mostly the same, but with the six upcoming deaths, it’s best you get up to speed on the mission quickly.”

“Deaths?” muttered Hogart, worriedly, as Amy left.


The Andromeda Effect. Stellar Flash Book Two by Neil A. Hogan

Now Available in Digital and Print

Sent back 2.5 million years in time to the Andromeda Galaxy to investigate why there’s a record of them having been there, the Stellar Flash crew encounter a creature so powerful that it has taken control of the entire galaxy by thought alone.

With most of the crew unconscious, Captain Jonathan Hogart is in a race against time to defeat the plant-planet, save the galaxy, and find a way to return to 2133.

But another force is attempting to take control, to use the power of the creature from the past to take over the Milky Way Galaxy in the present. And, for this, Hogart has no defense.

How is the creature controlling an entire galaxy?

Who has the technology to transmit the creature’s power from the past to the present?

And will the Stellar Flash crew and the Space Station team be able to save both galaxies?

Available now at –

  

Amazon Digital  Amazon Print

Barnes and Noble Digital

Rakuten Kobo Digital

The Andromeda Effect. Stellar Flash Book Two by Neil A. Hogan – Now Available in Digital and Print

The Andromeda Effect. Stellar Flash Book Two by Neil A. Hogan

Now Available in Digital and Print

Sent back 2.5 million years in time to the Andromeda Galaxy to investigate why there’s a record of them having been there, the Stellar Flash crew encounter a creature so powerful that it has taken control of the entire galaxy by thought alone.

With most of the crew unconscious, Captain Jonathan Hogart is in a race against time to defeat the plant-planet, save the galaxy, and find a way to return to 2133.

But another force is attempting to take control, to use the power of the creature from the past to take over the Milky Way Galaxy in the present. And, for this, Hogart has no defense.

How is the creature controlling an entire galaxy?

Who has the technology to transmit the creature’s power from the past to the present?

And will the Stellar Flash crew and the Space Station team be able to save both galaxies?

Available now at –

  

Amazon Digital  Amazon Print

Barnes and Noble Digital

Rakuten Kobo Digital