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THE FIRST CONTACT SERIES:
A Sweeping Saga of Cosmic Discovery, Perilous Encounters, and the Unyielding Struggle for Galactic Existence
Venture into a universe brimming with breathtaking celestial wonders and lurking, unimaginable dangers, where humanity’s courageous first forays beyond the familiar confines of its solar system trigger a cascading series of events that will irrevocably reshape its destiny amongst the stars. This is the epic saga of First Contact, a thrilling and expansive space opera where the long-held dreams of peaceful interstellar exploration shatter against the stark and often brutal realities of a galaxy teeming with diverse, and sometimes hostile, alien civilizations, forcing humankind to confront the chilling legacies of ancient hatreds, the subtle and pervasive influence of shadowy manipulators, and the terrifying emergence of predatory forces that view other sentient life as nothing more than a resource to be exploited.
For generations, humanity has gazed at the night sky, filled with an innate curiosity and an unyielding desire to connect with other life forms scattered across the cosmos. The dream of reaching out, of bridging the vast gulfs of interstellar space, has fueled countless scientific endeavors and captured the imaginations of billions. Yet, the moment those dreams begin to materialize, the hopeful vision of a welcoming universe dissolves into a complex and often perilous reality. Humanity’s first tentative steps beyond its cradle world awaken echoes of the past, stir the ambitions of hidden empires, and draw the unwanted attention of entities beyond comprehension.
Captain Robert Chris, a resolute leader whose spirit of exploration is tested by the harsh realities of interstellar politics and unforeseen conflict, and the dedicated crew of the Protector find themselves thrust into the vanguard of humanity’s tumultuous entry onto the galactic stage. They become reluctant diplomats, fierce defenders, and intrepid explorers in a universe far more ancient and intricate than they ever conceived. From the chillingly hostile reception by a species burdened by the weight of a shared, yet utterly forgotten, history, to the subtle and pervasive manipulations of unseen forces expertly orchestrating galactic events for their own inscrutable purposes, and the horrifying emergence of a predatory insectoid empire that views entire sentient races as mere livestock, humanity’s initial encounters are anything but the peaceful and enlightening exchanges they once envisioned.
Navigating treacherous alliances forged out of necessity, Captain Chris and his crew must unravel the intricate tapestry of ancient mysteries that predate humanity’s interstellar awakening, seeking to understand the motivations and long-term goals of civilizations both benevolent and malevolent. They are forced to confront enemies whose very biology and modes of thought are utterly alien, challenging their understanding of life, consciousness, and the fundamental principles of the universe. The fragile hope of a peaceful coexistence hangs precariously in the balance as humanity is forced to rapidly learn the brutal realities of galactic politics, where trust is a rare and often dangerous commodity, and survival often demands forging alliances with the most unlikely and sometimes untrustworthy of partners.
FIRST CONTACT - LEMURIANS (Book One):
A Cold Awakening Shatters Humanity's Cosmic Dreams
Are we Alone?
Imagine the culmination of a decades-long interstellar voyage, the triumphant arrival at a world shimmering with the promise of life, only to be met not with open arms, but with the chilling, atomic-scarred visage of a planet whose inhabitants harbor a centuries-old, incandescent hatred for your very species – a hatred born from a catastrophic past humanity never knew existed.
For Captain Robert Chris, a man driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering belief in humanity's potential amongst the stars, the journey aboard the Discovery Vessel 129 represented the pinnacle of human ambition. Decades spent in the silent embrace of cryosleep were a small price to pay for the chance to set foot on Kepler 442, a celestial body radiating the tantalizing signals of habitability, a potential sanctuary for a species yearning to escape the confines of its terrestrial cradle and reach for the cosmic horizon. His crew, a carefully selected ensemble of scientists, engineers, and explorers, shared this profound hope, their dreams woven into the very fabric of their mission. They envisioned a new beginning, a chance to plant the seeds of human civilization on fertile alien soil, to answer the age-old question, finally:
FIRST CONTACT - ELYSIANS (Book Two):
Unseen Manipulators and the Dawn of Galactic Intrigue
The fragile truce forged in the crucible of first contact now teeters on the brink of collapse, shattered by the emergence of a new, insidious threat lurking in the shadows, a manipulative force that could rewrite the destiny of the entire galaxy with unseen hands.
Having barely navigated the treacherous shoals of their initial, harrowing first contact with the vengeful Lemurians, Captain Robert Chris and the resilient crew of the Protector find themselves thrust into a galactic landscape far more intricate and perilous than their initial exploratory mission ever suggested. The space wars sci fi they narrowly averted with the Lemurians, a conflict born from a shared yet forgotten history, now appears to be merely the opening, bloody skirmish in a much larger, more complex, and far more dangerous interstellar game.
Princess Xylara of the Lemurian Empire, a figure who defied initial expectations with her profound wisdom and unexpected strength, reveals a chilling truth that casts a long shadow over the hard-won truce: the animosity humanity faced on Kepler 442 was not an isolated eruption of ancient hatred. A shadowy force, subtle and terrifyingly manipulative, has been orchestrating events from behind the galactic curtain, their unseen influence stretching across vast interstellar distances, pulling the strings of civilizations with cold, calculated precision. Known only as the Elysians, this enigmatic race possesses a cunning, a strategic brilliance, and a ruthlessness that could dwarf the Lemurians' initial, open hostility, their methods far more insidious and their goals shrouded in a chilling mystery.
FIRST CONTACT - GRAPLIANS (Book Three):
Whispers of the Universe and the Search for Hidden Truths
To confront an enemy that operates with unseen influence, manipulating galactic events from the shadows, humanity and its fragile alliances must seek guidance from a race that perceives the universe in ways they never thought possible, unlocking ancient wisdom and the secrets of interconnectedness.
The galaxy, still reeling from the initial shockwaves of humanity's tumultuous first contact and now increasingly ensnared in the subtle, manipulative web of the enigmatic Elysians, finds itself teetering on the precipice of widespread interstellar conflict. Captain Robert Chris, now a reluctant but seasoned veteran of unexpected first encounters and the intricate dance of galactic politics, understands that conventional military might is insufficient against an enemy that excels in deception and operates through the manipulation of others. To truly understand and ultimately counter this insidious threat, he and his allies must seek knowledge and guidance from beyond the familiar realms of human understanding and technological prowess.
Their desperate search for a weapon, not of destruction but of understanding, against the Elysians' unseen influence leads Robert, Princess Xylara, and their burgeoning coalition to the Graplians, a powerful and ancient race dwelling in relative self-imposed isolation on a world veiled in mystery and steeped in ancient traditions. Rumored to possess unique sensory abilities, a profound connection to the subtle energies of the universe, and an intricate understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things, the Graplians, with their enigmatic Seers and their deep philosophical insights, may hold the crucial key to unraveling the Elysians' intricate web of deceit and ultimately finding a way to disrupt their shadowy machinations.
FIRST CONTACT - ANTILLIANS (Book Four):
Forging Unity Against the Shadow's Embrace
As the subtle tendrils of the unseen enemy tighten their grip, igniting conflicts and sowing seeds of distrust across the nascent interstellar community, unlikely allies must rise and forge an unbreakable unity in a desperate bid to protect the fragile hope of galactic peace from the encroaching darkness.
The insidious machinations of the enigmatic Elysians have begun to bear their bitter, poisonous fruit, their subtle, almost imperceptible manipulations skillfully igniting conflicts and expertly sowing seeds of deep distrust and suspicion across the newly formed and inherently fragile interstellar alliances. Captain Robert Chris, now a seasoned veteran of navigating the treacherous currents of galactic politics and unexpected first encounters, and his increasingly diverse coalition of allies find themselves facing a rapidly rising tide of unrest and open conflict, all meticulously orchestrated by an enemy they still struggle to fully comprehend, a foe that remains largely unseen but whose influence is undeniable and devastating.
Their relentless quest for a deeper understanding of the Elysians' motives and, more importantly, for a viable means to effectively counter their insidious influence leads Robert, Princess Xylara, and their newly forged Graplian allies to the resilient and resourceful people of Antillia, a civilization inhabiting a strategically vital but volatile region of space. The Antillians, hardened by generations of navigating complex political landscapes and resisting subtle forms of external manipulation, possess invaluable knowledge of the Elysians' preferred tactics, their long history of quiet resistance offering crucial insights into the enemy's methods and potential weaknesses.
FIRST CONTACT - ASGARDIANS (Book Five):
The Insectoid Swarm and a Battle for Survival
A fragile dawn of interstellar unity, painstakingly forged through harrowing first encounters and the subtle machinations of the Elysians, is shattered by the emergence of a terrifying new predator: the Asgardians. This formidable insectoid race, standing nearly six feet tall, descends upon the nascent galactic community with a chillingly efficient and utterly ruthless agenda. Their horrifying practice of systematically preying upon other sentient species, most notably the Antillians, whom they breed and slaughter on vast prison farms, reveals a brutal and alien cruelty that eclipses any threat the Alliance has faced before.
Captain Robert Chris, now a seasoned leader navigating the treacherous currents of interstellar politics and unexpected warfare, finds his hard-won coalition thrust into a desperate battle for survival against this relentless biological terror. The agonizing pleas of the Antillians, whose hard-won knowledge had proven invaluable in understanding the Elysians, galvanize Robert and his diverse allies – humans, Lemurians, Graplians, and now the besieged Antillians – into a unified front against this unprecedented enemy.
The Alliance must rapidly adapt their strategies and combine their unique strengths to combat the Asgardian swarm’s overwhelming numbers and terrifyingly efficient predation.
FIRST CONTACT - HYPERIANS (BOOK SIX)
They won’t conquer your worlds—they’ll conquer your minds.
In Hyperians, the war shifts from starships to synapses. The galaxy has never seen an enemy like this: an intelligence that doesn’t invade with weapons or armies, but with illusions, whispers, and the unraveling of identity itself. The Hyperians reach into thoughts, twisting reality and rewriting perception until truth becomes a weapon turned against you.
This isn’t just a new war—it’s an impossible one. Conventional tactics are obsolete. No strategy is safe. And as the fabric of reality tears, the only hope for survival may lie in the most unthinkable alliance: retreating into the sentient, ancient entity known as Sustainer, where minds can be shielded—and where the final battle for control of thought, will, and soul must begin.
There has never been a battle like this. Not in any age. Not in any star system. The fight ahead will decide more than survival—it will decide who gets to define reality itself.
FIRST CONTACT - CIMMERIANS (BOOK SEVEN)
They arrive from the dark, beings that are of the dark, frightening in a unique and sinister manner!
When the Hyperians finally reclaim their lost heritage, they are forced into a fragile and uneasy alliance with the Asgardians to confront a new and deadly threat. The Cimmerians!
They’re a relentless species emerging from a distant dark nebula, striking at the heart of the Asgardian home system. As the two very different civilizations struggle to defend their fleets, they must learn to trust one another, even as old fears and prejudices linger.
From the shadows of the stars, the human-led interstellar Alliance watches. Will they intervene to help, or will they remain on the sidelines and let the conflict unfold without their involvement?
First Contact – Cimmerians explores loyalty, unity, and the staggering consequences of encountering a truly alien enemy.
Tentative Release date is end of February 2026!
My name is Scott Ickes. I'm 65 years old and live in Vancouver, WA with my lovely wife Linda and our cute little cat Chloe.
I retired from the Service Engineering group at The Timken Company. I covered a territory covering the vast majority of the NW Unitied States.I had also traveled to Egypt, Canada, Mexico, Singapore and Indonesia for work.
I had been interested in trying my hand at writing for many years, but my travel schedule didn't allow time for it. When I retired in June 2021, I messed around with other hobbies that I hadn't had much time for, such as woodworking and landscape painting.
On September 3, 2023, I was diagnosed with Leukemia. Due to my chemotherapy treatments I had a compromised immune system and I was a bleeding risk. I couldn't paint, due to the solvents. I couldn't play in my woodshop due to some of the wood dust being toxic to breathe. I've been in total remission since October 2023. I am continuing to improve and my outlook is extremely positive! I thank the Lord everyday for how He has watched over me. I also thank my wife for all of the sacrifices she has had to make. I've also had many friends who have stepped up and given us a hand in my care needs.
A shout out to you, Joe, Cat, Bob, Nora Anne, David, Karen, Cody.
I spent from September 2023 to February ,2024 reading a lot. I've always been an avid reader of science fiction. When I was still working I would read 100 books a year while traveling. When I couldn't do anything but read after I got sick, I was probably reading at about a 150+ books a year rate. It became boring, because it was all that I was permitted to do.
My wife, God bless her, noticed and said, you've always thought that you could write a book so why don't you give it a try. So, here I am, thanks to her, about to publish my first novel. I hope you enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoyed writing it.
One last shout out to my little brother Christopher Robert Ickes, who I named my hero after. Captain Robert Chris!
To my daughter in Ohio, I love you babydoll !
God Bless,
Scott Ickes
