Operation StarBridge

<p>There are two possibilities. Maybe we are alone in the universe maybe we're not. Both are equally frightening.</p><p></p><p>--Isaac Asimov</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>This STEM narrative tells the epic story of the StarBridge mission. It is the year 2083 CE. The International Space Administration is preparing to send forty-six courageous astronauts on a thirty-six-month voyage beyond our solar system for the first time. It will be the most challenging journey of exploration in the history of humankind as they embark on a trip to Alpha Centauri our closest stellar neighbor more than forty trillion kilometers away. After a brief stopover on Mars. the StarBridge sets out on its fourteen-month mission unaware of a Martian stowaway on board. When discovered Raskel Preston and his magical little sidekick Bingle quickly win over the hearts and support of the crew including the ship's captain Mickeleen Keys; her husband Blaine; and their twin children Hubble and Cassini. Join in as we meet the reclusive mysterious Professor Whyly the legendary leader of the Mars colony; Dr. Rogers the kindly director of the hydroponics department; Dr. Lipke; and the extremely efficient yet grumpy FlapJack the AI head of culinary services. In addition an action-packed game of gravity-free spaceball and a few visits to far-off places in a state-of-the-art virtual reality room will engage and captivate the reader. As the StarBridge nears their target exoplanet the ship is nearly destroyed by a saboteur. Upon arrival they discover an alien life form unlike any on planet Earth. As they attempt to communicate with this extraterrestrial prepare yourself for an I never saw that coming! moment. As the story concludes they head for home enriched with tons of materials while leaving one crew member behind.</p>