This is a classically structured hero's journey, centered the lone survivor of a crew sent to explore the exoplanet we humans call Earth. Thanks to his people's long technological heritage, his hope and his self-repairing biomechanical suit keep him functional over a century, a participant observer among the human wildlife, whose science he silently guides in anticipation of one day being brought home.

Stranded among strangers. Hunted by pirates. Humanity's freedom hangs in the balance. Kory Drake and the crew of Thunder are stranded in the unforgiving Arizona desert after crash-landing their guerrilla starship. Their alien military adviser, Zeta, is missing and presumed dead. Desperate for help, they stumble upon a small town under siege by ruthless alien bandits. In exchange for transportation back to their hidden base in the mountains, Kory and his crew agree to rid the town of its tormentors. But the trail of the bandits leads far beyond the Arizona sands—to a desolate crater on the...

Here find stories of wonder and heartbreak, where familiar characters face unimaginable challenges—whether it’s a kaiju invasion, the rise of artificial intelligence, or an unexpected visit from a goddess. These vivid stories delve into the essence of humanity, exploring themes of justice and community, hopelessness and art, love and sorrow. Together, these nine stories advocate for compassion, generosity, and clear-eyed acceptance, even amidst profound change.

Titus Briggs is an Earth Defense soldier, a grunt, a decorated war hero—it's all he's ever known. So when a career-ending injury leaves him lying in a hospital bed, missing both legs, he struggles to accept his new reality. He can no longer walk, which means he can no longer fight. That is until a mysterious colonel arrives and offers Titus the opportunity to step into a new kind of war, a new kind of fight. To become a new kind of soldier. Mobile Combat Suits—MOCOMS—represent the next stage in human warfare. They enable soldiers to fight like never before.

Willie grew up outside of Damascus, Virginia, and life was never easy for her. She’s a hard-as-nails single mom who struggles to make ends meet with little support and few opportunities. She’s also the community “rescue mom”, taking in young people with no other place to go. All this while dodging an ex-boyfriend turned stalker who also happens to be a cop. Willie only made it to adulthood by being resilient. That toughness, combined with a series of odd jobs and side hustles, helps keep her unorthodox family afloat.