From space they came, to space they returned, better than they ever were. The people of the Cygnus system were determined to find other life, maybe even return to Earth as they explored the known galaxy. Humanity would not be denied. And they had the company of the intelligent species humans created centuries past, who evolved and became equals, partners in the journey to a better place. They were all the people of Cygnus VII. From the ashes of their past, Cygnus was rising. The motto of the Space Exploration Service was “the ship is life, save the ship.” And they crew had done that, repeatedly, even though it cost lives. Everyone on board the Cygnus-12 volunteered for the Space Exploration Service because they believed that the risk was worth it. For all humanity, they went to space, to find what was out there, return with knowledge to improve their civilization. And if they could return with word that Earth was there, alive and well, then that would make every death that much more meaningful. Cygnus Rising is the first book in a Space Opera series based within the Free Trader universe.

Humans take their cats to space and immediately regret their decision. Space is a dangerous place, but human-populated worlds are the most dangerous of all. The ship is life! Save the ship. The Cygnus-12 crew did just that, losing a quarter of their number repelling boarders. They returned home with news that they'd found an outpost of humanity, hostile, like Cygnus VII used to be. The Hillcats decide that their role is critical in the overall success of the Cygnus Marines, and they invite themselves along for the ride. Cain is challenged with building a small military unit to protect the deep space explorers. With the AI's help, he determines that Earth's Marines would fill the role best. Five millennia had passed since such a unit last existed, so Cain learns from old Marine Corps manuals and videos like the Sands of Iwo Jima, The DI, and The Siege of Firebase Gloria. With only that to go on, he recruits from the intelligent species to flesh out the ranks. When the ship returns to Concordia, will the Marines and the cats be enough to help them? Find out today.

Snarky Hillcats and the Cygnus Marines on a harrowing mission to earth…what could go wrong? From space they came to space they returned, different, driven. Humanity would not be denied. The crew takes the Cygnus-12 deeper into the universe, hopping from one colonized planet to the next on their way to Earth. The stark reality of what they find keeps them fighting for their lives and the survival of all humankind.