Archaea 2: Janis (23 page)

Afterword

My two children were dejected that my first book, Archaea, didn't have more 'kid stuff' in it.

Zahn, my oldest, loved the science and shooting and space stuff, but my youngest, Ava, thought it was about pirate ships. As I wrote it originally as a sort of 'swashbuckler in space' story, I took that as a compliment, but I didn't let that stop me from vowing my revenge.

And so, for this book, I drew on the deep well of memories I have been gifted as their parent, and used them as inspiration for the children in this book. Of course, what I have written is just a pale imitation of their antics, they truly are weapons-grade silly.

Of special assistance and inspiration was Lieutenant Jordan, a real hero, the kind of person that wouldn't think twice about putting himself in harm's way to save someone in need. He provided me with helpful information about 'Plain Language' radio communications in use since 9/11, and served as a source of inspiration for a number of characters in the book, in fact, for most of the underlying themes of the book: to do right is the greatest good of all.

Of course, this book was written with the kind editorial  assistance and patience of my lovely, beautiful wife, Angie – without which none of this would have been possible.

Someday, Angie, you will love science fiction. You may have to edit a few million more books, but someday you will truly enjoy the genre.