With What Strange Eyes?

It is the fantastic future of 1999. Sent to Mars on a mission to investigate the powerful and secretive United Space corporation jaded Earth journalist Lamont Townsend finds himself abruptly thrust aboard the USS Westward-humanity's first interstellar voyage spaceship. Powered by enigmatic Martian technology and captained by the legendary astronaut Francis Carter Westward is chasing a future among the stars driven by the lingering trauma of Earth's near-annihilation fifty years prior.Their destination exosolar planet 652-10-Iota promises a second chance for civilization. But upon arrival the crew of the Westward discovers a world far from the paradise hinted at in eons-old Martian exploration charts. Scarred by radiation and populated by seemingly primitive humanoids the planet holds secrets that challenge everything humanity believes about its place in the cosmos.Lamont grappling with his own past trauma and the haunting disappearance of his wife finds himself reluctantly embedded with the exploration team. He witnesses firsthand the stunning and often unsettling alien ecology with the disturbing clues of past civilization including mysterious remnants of advanced ancient Martian technology.The mission takes a dark turn during a planetary expedition when the crew encounters the planet's indigenous humanoids. Prone to violence and armed with dangerous radioactive weapons these 'pygmies' clash with the Westward crew resulting in tragedy that forces a desperate retreat into a vast hidden cave system.It is within these catacombs that Lamont Captain Carter and medic Rosemary Wells discover the planet's true and utterly alien inhabitants. These ancient non-human creatures reveal a complex and disturbing history offering a stark warning about the dangers of this world and hinting at a profound unexpected connection to humanity's own past. Set in a compelling and cinematic alternate history With What Strange Eyes? is a gripping science fiction narrative blending elements of space exploration first contact corporate conspiracy and cosmic horror. It delves into themes of human ambition the ethics of colonization and the profound impact of alien encounters perfect for readers interested in thought-provoking sci-fi with a focus on mystery and the human element amidst cosmic wonder. With What Strange Eyes? is the first book in an ongoing series following the adventures of the USS Westward and its crew.