Homeworld, page 1
Homeworld
Synopsis
After leaving Earth’s orbit behind, the spaceship Velocity and its crew hurtle through the galaxy toward their alien ancestor’s homeworld, Dwynna Major.
Trouble arises when Chief Engineer Claire Gordon’s neural interface device malfunctions, and she secretly struggles to retain the knowledge desperately needed to keep the Velocity running. Adding to her fear of failing, Claire’s falling in love with the only crew member who’s untouchable—Captain Holly Crowe.
Holly’s only priority is to keep the crew safe as they face the unknowns of interstellar space. Maintaining the strict rules and regulations of her captaincy is the only way she can lead, even if it distances her from the rest of the crew. When Claire’s failing interface puts them all in danger, however, Holly’s rigid approach to command is called into question.
Will Holly and Claire continue their mission to Dwynna Major even if it puts their lives and their hearts at risk?
What Reviewers Say About Gun Brooke’s Work
Ice Queen
“I’m a sucker for a story about a single mother and in this case, it really adds depth to Susanna’s character. The conflict that threatens Susanna and Aislin’s future isn’t a convoluted series of events. It’s the insecurities they each bring into the relationship that they’re forced to acknowledge and deal with. To me this felt authentic. The book is a quick read with plenty of spice…”—Lesbian Review
Treason
“The adventure was edge-of-your-seat levels of gripping and exciting. …I really enjoyed this final addition to the Exodus series and particularly liked the ending. As always it was a very well written book.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (UK)
Insult to Injury
“This novel tugged at my heart all the way, much the same way as Coffee Sonata. It’s a story of new beginnings, of rediscovering oneself, of trusting again (both others and oneself).”—Jude in the Stars
“If you love a good, slow-burn romantic novel, then grab this book.”—Rainbow Reflections
“[A] light romance that left me with just the right amount of ‘aw shucks’ at the end.”—C-Spot Reviews
“I was glad to see a disabled lead for a change, and I enjoyed the author’s style—the book was written in the first person alternating between the main characters and I felt that gave me more insight into each character and their motivations.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (UK)
Wayworn Lovers
“Wayworn Lovers is a super dramatic, angsty read, very much in line with Brooke’s other contemporary romances. …I’m definitely in the ‘love them’ camp.”—Lesbian Review
Thorns of the Past
“What I really liked from the offset is that Brooke steered clear of the typical butch PI with femme damsel in distress trope. Both main characters are what I would call ordinary women—they both wear suits for work, they both dress down in sweatpants and sweatshirts in the evening. As a result, I instantly found it a lot easier to relate, and connect with both. Each of their pasts hold dreadful memories and pain, and the passages where they opened up to each other about those events were very moving.”—Rainbow Reviews
“I loved the romance between Darcy and Sabrina and the story really carried it well, with each of them learning that they have a safe haven with the other.”—Lesbian Review
Escape: Exodus Book Three
“I’ve been a keen follower of the Exodus series for a while now and I was looking forward to the latest installment. It didn’t disappoint. The action was edge-of-your-seat thrilling, especially towards the end, with several threats facing the Exodus mission. Some very intriguing subplots were introduced, and I look forward to reading more about these in the next book.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library, London (UK)
Pathfinder
“I love Gun Brooke. She has successfully merged two of my reading loves: lesfic and sci-fi.”—Inked Rainbow Reads
“I found the characters very likable and the plot compelling. I loved watching their relationship grow. From their first meeting, they’re impressed and intrigued by each other. This matures into an easy friendship, and from there into dancing, kisses, and more. …I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of the series!”—All Our Worlds: Diverse Fantastic Fiction
Soul Unique
“This is the first book that Gun Brooke has written in a first person perspective, and that was 100% the correct choice. She avoids the pitfalls of trying to tell a story about living with an autism spectrum disorder that she’s never experienced, instead making it the story of someone who falls in love with a person living with Asperger’s. …Soul Unique is her best. It was an ambitious project that turned out beautifully. I highly recommend it.”—Lesbian Review
“Yet another success from Gun Brooke. The premise is interesting, the leads are likeable and the supporting characters are well-developed. The first person narrative works well, and I really enjoyed reading about a character with Asperger’s.”—Melina Bickard, Librarian, Waterloo Library (London)
Advance: Exodus Book One
“Advance is an exciting space adventure, hopeful even through times of darkness. The romance and action are balanced perfectly, interesting the audience as much in the fleet’s mission as in Dael and Spinner’s romance. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!”—All Our Worlds: Diverse Fantastic Fiction
The Blush Factor
“Gun Brooke captures very well the two different ‘worlds’ the two main characters live in and folds this setting neatly into the story. So, if you are looking for a well-edited, multi-layered romance with engaging characters this is a great read and maybe a re-read for those days when comfort food is a must.”—Lesbians on the Loose
“That was fantastic. It’s so sweet and romantic. Both women had their own ‘demons’ and they didn’t let anyone be close to them. But from the moment they met each other everything felt so natural between them. Their love became so strong in a short time. Addie’s thoughts threatened her relationship with Ellie but with her sister’s help she managed to avoid a real catastrophe…”—Nana’s Book Reviews
The Supreme Constellations Series
“[Protector of the Realm] is first and foremost a romance, and whilst it has action and adventure, it is the romance that drives it. The book moves along at a cracking pace, and there is much happening throughout to make it a good page-turner. The action sequences are very well done, and make for an adrenaline rush.”—Lesbian Review
“Brooke is an amazing author. Never have I read a book where I started at the top of the page and don’t know what will happen two paragraphs later. She keeps the excitement going, and the pages turning.”—Family and Friends Magazine
Fierce Overture
“Gun Brooke creates memorable characters, and Noelle and Helena are no exception. Each woman is ‘more than meets the eye’ as each exhibits depth, fears, and longings. And the sexual tension between them is real, hot, and raw.”—Just About Write
September Canvas
“In this character-driven story, trust is earned and secrets are uncovered. Deanna and Faythe are fully fleshed out and prove to the reader each has much depth, talent, wit and problem-solving abilities. September Canvas is a good read with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.”—Just About Write
Sheridan’s Fate—Lambda Literary Award Finalist
“Sheridan’s fire and Lark’s warm embers are enough to make this book sizzle. Brooke, however, has gone beyond the wonderful emotional explorations of these characters to tell the story of those who, for various reasons, become differently-abled. Whether it is a bullet, an illness, or a problem at birth, many women and men find themselves in Sheridan’s situation. Her courage and Lark’s gentleness and determination send this romance into a ‘must read.’”—Just About Write
Coffee Sonata
“In Coffee Sonata, the lives of these four women become intertwined. In forming friendships and love, closets and disabilities are discussed, along with differences in age and backgrounds. Love and friendship are areas filled with complexity and nuances. Brooke takes her time to savor the complexities while her main characters savor their excellent cups of coffee. If you enjoy a good love story, a great setting, and wonderful characters, look for Coffee Sonata at your favorite gay and lesbian bookstore.”—Family & Friends Magazine
“If you enjoy a good love story, a great setting, and wonderful characters, look for Coffee Sonata at your favorite gay and lesbian bookstore.”—MegaScene
“Each of these characters is intriguing, attractive and likeable, but they are heartbreaking, too, as the reader soon learns when their pasts and their deeply buried secrets are slowly and methodically revealed. Brooke does not give the reader predictable plot points, but builds a fascinating set of subplots and surprises around the romances.”—L-word.com Literature
Course of Action
“Brooke’s words capture the intensity of their growing relationship. Her prose throughout the book is breathtaking and heart-stopping. Where have you been hiding, Gun Brooke? I, for one, would like to see more romances from this author.”—Independent Gay Writer
“Brooke gets to the core of her characters’ emotions and vulnerabilities and points out their strengths and weaknesses in very human terms.”—Just About Write
Homeworld
Brought to you by
eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com
eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.
Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.
By the Author
Romances:
Course of Action
Coffee Sonata
Sheridan’s Fate
September Canvas
Fierce Overture
Speed Demons
The Blush Factor
Soul Unique
A Reluctant Enterprise
Piece of Cake
Thorns of the Past
Wayworn Lovers
Insult to Injury
Ice Queen
Science Fiction
Supreme Constellations series:
Protector of the Realm
Rebel’s Quest
Warrior’s Valor
Pirate’s Fortune
Exodus series:
Advance
Pathfinder
Escape
Arrival
Treason
The Dennamore Scrolls
Yearning
Velocity
Homeworld
Lunar Eclipse
Renegade’s War
Novella Anthology:
Change Horizons
Homeworld
© 2022 By Gun Brooke. All Rights Reserved.
ISBN 13: 978-1-63679-178-4
This Electronic Original Is Published By
Bold Strokes Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 249
Valley Falls, NY 12185
First Edition: July 2022
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.
Credits
Editor: Shelley Thrasher
Production Design: Susan Ramundo
Cover Design By Gun Brooke
Cover Photo: Pexels.com
eBook Design by Toni Whitaker
Acknowledgments
First of all, this is a great place to express my gratitude to every single one of my readers. You who buy or borrow my books, read them, and sometimes find the time to comment or write me personally. It makes me so very happy—and it is humbling in the best of ways. And inspiring!
This, the last installment of the Dennamore trilogy, was hard to write, and I want to thank my editor, Dr. Shelley Thrasher. I love working with you and I always look forward to future projects. My first reader, Annika, in Germany—I want you to know that you were invaluable in your patience and ability to point out the flaws, logical gaps, and so on. The fact that you still seemed to also be able to enjoy the story was amazing to me.
As always, Bold Strokes Books staff, with Sandy Lowe at the forefront, provide such a wonderful family to belong to. I treasure you all!!! Len Barot, aka Radclyffe, thank you once again for creating this publishing company. I’m so proud to belong to it.
Writing a trilogy like this was a new adventure for me, in more ways than one. I do feel that there are more stories to be told about the Homeworld, and I have tentative plans to return to it eventually, thanks to my readers and first reader, who encourage me greatly.
Thank you to Malin, my daughter, for her obvious love, encouragement. and support, especially after I broke my wrist. Thank you to Henrik, my son, for all your help, for taking care of me here at the house and cheering me on when I struggled to complete the editing one-handed. Then there is the rest of the family who are always there. I don’t think I could thrive as I do and keep writing if I didn’t have you in my life.
To my friends, especially Birgitta, Kamilla and Soli, you are true pearls. Also, shoutout to my painting girls! When it comes to my online friends, you are always close to my heart, right here in my computer, which is yet another thing I’m so thankful for.
And I can’t help myself…for my sanity, comfort, and unconditional love, I owe a lot to my two dogs, Hoshi and Esti. There. I said it. :-) Woof!
Dedication
For Elon
For my family
Prologue
1777
Bech’taia leaves the long structure they have constructed from the logs of the trees that are indigenous to this part of this planet. Gai’usto, the man she is joined with, is still back there, arguing what seems to be a lost cause. The majority of the crew wants to one day return to Dwynna Major. The captain of their ship, along with the elders among them, refuses. Eventually the arguing has become so loud, Bech’taia has developed an overwhelming headache, and now she hopes that the amazingly clean air of this world, this remarkable, inhabited world, will help. Of course, she can use one of the now-forbidden technological devices, but she finds the purity of this planet’s environment an efficient healer.
The elders want them to scuttle the ship, as in crash it into the ocean a few klicks away from their area. This world is still not advanced enough to track their vessel on any sort of sensors, which means it will be easy to do. It will also ensure the crew knows they have no choice but to live their remaining days in this wild paradise.
Bech’taia rubs her forehead as she remembers how she raised her voice to her betters. “But what about the people on Dwynna Major? The ones left behind, hoping to find anything—knowledge, technology, or supplies—to save our world from going under?”
The elders, along with the captain, sneered at her, making sure everyone realized that she didn’t know what she was talking about. More concerned with their own personal survival, they ignored the wishes of most of the crew. The Velocity will be destroyed, and the speeders with her. From now on, they will live like the natives, and clearly, they’re expected to forget all about their origin.
Having expected this result, Bech’taia knows that she and Gai’usto must assemble their clandestine group and keep working on their alternative solutions. One day they, or their descendants, may want to return to Dwynna Major. Her plan to hide the ship in plain sight may fail, but this way, all may not be lost.
She makes her way to the small log house she shares with Gai’usto. She intends to outline her plan in more detail in the journal she’s kept ever since they landed on this world. She sighs at the idea that, instead of making themselves known to the people running this world and learning from them, they will attempt to blend in, and their newly founded town of Dwynna Major will have to become Dennamore.
For now.
Part One
The Launch
Chapter One
Captain Holly Crowe stood at the center of the bridge, located deep in the belly of the spaceship Velocity on deck three. She watched the screens intently. The largest one sat in the middle of the vast bulkhead before her, surrounded by a multitude of smaller screens showing every aspect of what took place with the ship and its crew.
Right now, the main screen showed Earth from high orbit, and Holly knew she wasn’t the only one filled with mixed emotions. The yearning to set the course for Dwynna Major, the homeworld of their ancestors, overshadowed the concern of leaving loved ones behind, but not by much. For her, it was an easier choice, as she had lost her parents and her wife years ago, and the people she cared about were on the ship. Others were saying good-bye to family members and friends.
“Samantha to bridge,” Samantha Pike, chief helmsman, said over the general communication system. It was still unfathomable that this woman had worked as a librarian until a few months ago.
“Crowe here.” Holly tapped her personal speaker, pinned to her uniform.
“We’re about to do the last roundup of new crewmembers and their families to the Velocity. The people from NASA, and a few from the different law-enforcement agencies, are ready to board Speeder One when you give permission.”
