Quantum Surge Prequel: the Jankin Decatur Series "Trouble followed him, ambition drove him, and honor guided his actions." The first book in a new series by Philip Nolen, an epic tour de force that will draw, hold, and envelope you in a tale of Earth's first star colony; the coming of age of a people. -- Steve Alten, NY Times & international best-selling author of The MEG series. New military sf with both the physics and the history meticulously worked out in interesting --- David Drake

2173 CE
Kraken Colony of Tau Ceti

At twenty-one years, Tyron Barry was the youngest XO in the North American Union’s (NAU) merchant fleet. Less than a year into their mission, mutiny strikes. Barry corners the mutineers into a shuttle, they demand the release code. He yields but then destroys the shuttle. On return, a friend sends warning, a senator’s son was one of the mutineers. Life in Jeopardy, everything lost, he flees to the colonies in a small ship.

Years pass, war now exists on Earth between the NAU and oriental CTAC forces. Jankin Decatur’s freighter limps into Kraken Colony. Although a neutral, they were savaged by CTAC forces but managed to escape. Expecting to be broken, Decatur instead is ordered to a politician’s estate on Kraken. Commissioner Hollen knows about Decatur’s past life as Tyron Barry. Kraken is under attack, both NAU and CTAC forces press common spacers into service, murder the officers, and confiscate ships. Kraken will declare independence and offers Decatur a commission and a military frigate, Alfred.

Decatur draws upon old mates to staff and finish Alfred. Their maiden cruise -- shuttle a convoy to Jasper. Convoy captains vary from cooperative to not even appearing at rendezvous. One ‘no show’ vessel is found in the process of being boarded by a CTAC frigate. Decatur approaches innocently while his rangers secretly board and take both vessels. The merchant was smuggling goods for the same person responsible for his past-life mutiny. Worse, prisoners are found in harsh conditions on the frigate. Decatur learns of a prison on distant Mars and is torn between completing his mission and attempting rescue.

Captain Decatur must decide, follow the detailed orders of his commission or attempt a prisoner rescue on the enemy’s doorstep.

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