Blue’s eyes were closed. He rubbed his temples furiously and muttered under his breath – probably a Peace mantra.
Randalyn stared vacantly at a spot on the far side of the room. She was lost in thought, probably wondering how she would tell the Leadership Council.
Tane was working at his monitor, already focused on the problem at hand.
Just two days ago, they had been ecstatic. Earth’s scanners detected a blip – a new object had entered the solar system. Everyone at the table thought it was Grant and his mothership returning. The timing was perfect. Three months out, three months back, with a month between to complete their mission.
But elation turned to confusion when the blip did not continue toward Earth. Instead, it sat silently at the edge of the solar system, unmoving.
Confusion turned to doubt when the blip was joined by a second blip twelve hours later. The doubt turned to dread when two more blips appeared just this morning.
And now all four blips were headed toward Earth.
Three weeks away.
Mouse ripped up the list. Let the pieces fall.
End of Book Two
Acknowledgements
I really enjoy this section of the book. It gives me a chance to tell everyone who helped me finish this book how much I truly appreciate their support.
First, I want to thank you, the reader. It’s like the Bryan Adams song says, “Everything I do, I do it for you.” You make it possible for me to keep going when the last thing I want to do is start banging away on the keyboard. Trust me, there are a lot of those times. Working a full time job and trying to maintain a personal connection with my family often make writing seem like “just another thing I have to do.” But writing a book is a labor of love, and I’m reminded of that on a regular basis. Your positive reviews, emails, tweets and posts help me keep the motivational and creative juices flowing. Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you.
It is important to name some of the key contributors to Peace Army. This is not an endeavor I could have completed on my own. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a team to build a book. Some of the key team members for Peace Army include my editor, Tristi Pinkston; my cover artist, Sabrina Kleis; my beta readers for the book, Tim Scanlon, Jonathan Huston and Dave Jenks; and my wife and best friend, Juanita. Thanks to all of you for your support, encouragement and hard work.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge my father, Lee Vernon Hawk. He is the hardest working man I have ever known, and the type of man I always wanted to be. His common sense, honor, integrity and work ethic are traits I’ve tried to emulate. Every goal I have ever achieved was a direct result of the life lessons he provided. I love you, Pop.
Steven L. Hawk
April 16, 2011
About the Author
Steven L. Hawk spent six years as a Military Intelligence Specialist with the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division before joining the ranks of corporate America. He has a B.S. in Business Management from Western Governor's University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He has traveled extensively across the United States and, at various times, has lived in Georgia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Massachusetts, California and Idaho.
Steve currently resides in Boise, Idaho with his wife, Juanita. Together, they have a blended family of five sons: Paul, Gordo, Aaron, Taylor and Steven Jr.
For more information, you can follow him via the following channels:
Website: www.SteveHawk.com
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenhawk
Twitter: @stevenhawk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/steven.hawk1
Peace Army Page 26