The Orphan Alliance

The Orphan Alliance (The Black Ships #3)An unlikely alliance of Humans and Midgaard has seized a foothold in the Dactari Republic only to be cut off from all support. For three years, our fleet has heard nothing from Earth except for an automated message warning of a highly virulent infection. Now, a lone ship has appeared bearing fear, pestilence and hope and its presence forces a decision on fleet command. We can destroy the ship and all the potential it represents, choosing instead to play out the hand already dealt to us, almost certainly leading to a steady decline in personnel. Our only other option is to embrace the deadly gift carried by the Pandora and become something new. With Earth at its most vulnerable, a decision must be made. And the fight must go on. (94,000 words)**