Galactic Forge


Book Description

Former Marine Arthur Holland's destiny begins when an aircraft crashes on his property in the mountains of Colorado. He moves to investigate and to help any possible survivors, but the closer he gets the less control he has of his movements. An unknown force urges him to open the door of the mysterious craft, discovering the secret that lies within: a dead, alien pilot and a peculiar, otherworldly crystal. If that wasn't enough, the crystal feels like it is alive. That's when he hears a single word inside his mind: Run.An enemy vessel approaches overhead in pursuit of the downed ship, leaving Arthur little time to make his escape.Guided by this strange voice, Art is propelled through a hidden portal, arriving somewhere unknownOn the other side of the galaxy, without a means of returning home, he has no choice but to move forward and help the crystal accomplish its mission: to help the Galactic Conglomerate in its fight against the Vael Empire.It may be destiny that's called him, but it's the choices he makes that will forge his future.Warning: this book contains profanity and violence. Read at your own risk.




The Forge of God


Book Description

This doomsday masterpiece from the author of Eon and Hull Zero Three was a finalist for the Hugo and Nebula awards. On July 26, Arthur Gordon learns that Europa, the sixth moon of Jupiter, has disappeared. Not hiding, not turned black, but gone. On September 28th, Edward Shaw finds an error in the geological records of Death Valley. A cinder cone was left off the map. Could it be new? Or, stranger yet, could it be artificial? The answer may be lying beside it—a dying Guest who brings devastating news for Edward and for Planet Earth. As more unexplained phenomena spring up around the globe—a granite mountain appearing in Australia, sounds emanating from the earth’s core, flashes of light among the asteroids—it becomes clear to some that the end is approaching, and there is nothing we can do. In The Forge of God, award-winning author Greg Bear describes the final days of the world on both a massive, scientific scale and in the everyday, emotional context of individual human lives. Facing the destruction of all they know, some people turn to God, others to their families, and a few turn to saviors promising escape from a planet being torn apart. Will they make it in time? And who gets left behind to experience the last moments of beauty and chaos on earth? Nominated for the Nebula, Hugo, and Locus Awards, The Forge of God is an engrossing read, breathtaking in its scope and in its detail.




Alien: Into Charybdis


Book Description

The critically acclaimed author of Alien: The Cold Forge takes readers to a rogue colony where terror lurks in the tunnels of an abandoned Weyland-Yutani complex. “Shy” Hunt and the tech team from McAllen Integrations thought it was an easy job—set up environmental systems for the brand new Hasanova Data Solutions colony, built on the abandoned ruins of a complex known as “Charybdis.” There are just two problems: the colony belongs to the Iranian state, so diplomacy is strained at best, and the complex is located above a series of hidden caves. Charybdis has a darker history than any could imagine, and its depths harbor deadly secrets. Until their ship can be refueled, the McAllen team is trapped there. The deeper they dig, the more Shy is convinced there's no one they can believe. When a bizarre ship lands on a nearby island, one of the workers is attacked by a taloned creature, and trust evaporates between the Iranians and Americans. The McAllen integrations crew are imprisoned, accused as spies, but manage to send out a distress signal... to the Colonial Marines.




Galactic Encounters


Book Description

Written by William Sheehan, a noted historian of astronomy, and Christopher J. Conselice, a professional astronomer specializing in galaxies in the early universe, this book tells the story of how astronomers have pieced together what is known about the vast and complicated systems of stars and dust known as galaxies. The first galaxies appeared as violently disturbed exotic objects when the Universe was only a few 100 million years old. From that tortured beginning, they have evolved though processes of accretion, merging and star formation into the majestic spirals and massive ellipticals that dominate our local part of the Universe. This of course includes the Milky Way, to which the Sun and Solar System belong; it is our galactic home, and the only galaxy we will ever know from the inside. Sheehan and Conselice show how astronomers’ understanding has grown from the early catalogs of Charles Messier and William Herschel; developed through the pioneering efforts of astronomers like E.E. Barnard, V.M. Slipher, Henrietta Leavitt, Edwin Hubble and W.W. Morgan; and finally is reaching fruition in cutting-edge research with state-of-the-art instruments such as the Hubble Space Telescope that can see back to nearly the beginning of the Universe. By combining archival research that reveals fascinating details about the personalities, rivalries and insights of the astronomers who created extragalactic astronomy with the latest data gleaned from a host of observa tions, the authors provide a view of galaxies – and their place in our understanding of the Universe – as they have never been seen before.




Galactic Destiny


Book Description

War is imminent. After a successful rescue of his comrades and a narrow escape ahead of the Darkkon invasion of Vallus, Art and the team must head to the planet Fengar in the heart of the Galactic Conglomerate, to bring news of the attack.Midway through their journey, Art's team is intercepted by a Special Operations Darkkon ship and thrown into a vicious battle. Boarding the enemy ship, they come across a rare, ancient piece of Yau technology believed to have been infinitely lost--but it's not the only Yau technology at the enemy's disposal.As the Darkkon Empire ramps up their attacks, the technology must be replicated and put into mass production to give the Galactic Conglomerate a fighting chance against the empire before it's too late.Warning: this book contains violence and some cursing. Read at your own risk.




Galactic Alliance


Book Description

While the Galactic Conglomerate continues to fight the rising Darkkon threat, a working Yau A.I. is recovered from the wreckage of the recent battle, and it is the one lead the team has to dig deeper into the heart of the enemy's operation.Meanwhile, a treaty with the Vael Empire--the long-standing enemy of the conglomerate--may be the galaxy's only hope of defending itself against the Darkkon and their growing aggression. Pride must be swallowed and differences set aside to join forces in an alliance.The alliance grows their armies and fleet at a blistering pace, catching the enemy off guard. Just as they think they've discovered how to take out the enemy, new information comes to light that may not only put a stop to the alliance's efforts and change everyone's life as they know it.Warning: This book contains violence and some cursing. Read at your own risk.




Anvil of Stars


Book Description

A Ship of the Law travels the infinite enormity of space, carrying 82 young people: fighters, strategists, scientists; the Children. They work with sophisticated non-human technologies that need new thinking to comprehend them. They are cut off forever from the people they left behind. Denied information, they live within a complex system that is both obedient and beyond their control. They are frightened. And they are making war against entities whose technologies are so advanced, so vast, as to dwarf them. Against something whose psychology is ultimately, unknowably alien.




Forge of the Titans


Book Description

Long Ago the Gods Left Earth, but Now They are Returning-and Some of Them are Not at All Friendly. Space Adventure by the Co-Author of the New York Times Bestseller The Shiva Option. When Derek Secrest was suddenly pulled out of the Naval Academy to take part in a top secret government project involving telepathy-because tests showed that he had a strong latent talent for psi powers-he thought things couldn't get more weird. He was wrong. Soon he was contacted by a mysterious woman who could open portals at will through spacetime. Her powers seemed godlike, and they were. Millennia ago, extra-dimensional beings with great powers had come to earth and taken on human form, to be later remembered in legends as gods and goddesses-and titans, the ancient enemies of the gods. The godlike beings had driven off the titans, but now they are returning, with a new plan to use humans with psionic abilities to rule the Earth, and not be driven from it this time. And the titans always did have a fondness for human sacrifice and other anti-social activities. Unless Derek and a handful of other telepaths can join forces with the ancient gods to defeat the titans, the world will be plunged into a new dark age of terror and death. But, judging from mythology, just how much can you really trust a god. . . ?




2035 AND BEYOND. A GUIDE TO THRIVING IN THE FUTURE WORKPLACE.


Book Description

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern careers, an unprecedented challenge looms large: the art of cultivating and perpetuating a dynamic blend of skills that not only ensure your relevance but also safeguard your professional journey. The relentless surge of the fourth industrial and agricultural revolutions has thrust organiSations into an imperative dance of adaptation, rejuvenation, and, at times, complete reinvention of their established business paradigms. In this epoch of rapid transformation, both the corridors of power and the halls of innovation are not idly awaiting the inevitable changes on the horizon. Instead, they propel you headlong into tomorrow's possibilities, today. The dawn of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Robotics promises to not only permeate our personal lives but also seamlessly integrate into the fabric of our professional landscapes. Amidst this unfolding evolution, a question emerges like a beacon of hope: How can you navigate and unearth your intrinsic capacities, crafting a distinct prowess that transcends the grasp of automation, endowing you with an unmistakable competitive advantage? Existing research tirelessly chants a dual anthem—jobs will dissipate, yet many more will emerge from the cocoon of the unforeseen. However, the symphony of these new roles remains elusive, often remaining shrouded in mystery until they materialise. How then can you master the symphony of change? How can you find harmony in collaboration with machines, turning them from rivals to partners in your journey? This is where your journey begins—a journey that takes you beyond the confines of traditional reading. Enter the realm of the uncharted—the skill set poised to be the catalyst of transformation—the marriage of your soft and business acumen. Yet, as fate would have it, these skills find themselves as an overlooked chapter in the story of our education, a footnote in our professional training. The rhythm of their acquisition is often set to the tune of trial and error, conducted by the maestro of life experiences. But what if the script could be rewritten, allowing you to actively shape your future in a world where soft and business skills are the keys to success? Picture a canvas where you bridge your skills gap, unravel the enigma of soft and business skills, and forge an actionable roadmap that ensures the trajectory of your career shines ever brighter amidst the shifting tides. Unlock the door to revelation, for the key lies in the pages ahead—a portal to a future yet unseen. Welcome to the future, where the boundaries of time and space blur. 2035 and Beyond: A Guide to Thriving in the Future Workplace is an extraordinary non-fiction book that invites readers on a thrilling journey through time and space. Within its captivating narrative, readers assume the role of a protagonist transported to the year 2035 and beyond, where they work for a visionary organisation in a world unlike any they've known. This futuristic odyssey takes readers to diverse, meticulously crafted imaginary planets, each chapter presenting a new destination and a unique set of challenges. As the protagonist navigates this fantastical universe, you engage in a transformative learning experience, acquiring essential soft and business skills crucial for thriving in the workplaces of tomorrow. What sets "2035 and Beyond" apart is its innovative approach to reader engagement. At the end of each chapter, readers encounter tasks and assessments directly related to their futuristic role and planet exploration. These interactive elements immerse readers even further into the narrative, encouraging them to apply the skills they've acquired and make decisions that impact the outcome of their journey. From strategising complex interstellar ventures to harnessing cutting-edge technology to solve intricate problems, readers are actively involved in shaping the narrative. These tasks and assessments not only enhance the book's educational value but also make it an immersive and interactive reading experience. Furthermore, "2035 and Beyond" places a strong emphasis on self-assessment. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their newfound skills, track their progress, and consider how their experiences in the book parallel their real-world growth. With its compelling storyline, vivid world-building, and innovative integration of tasks and assessments, "2035 and Beyond: A Guide to Thriving in the Future Workplace" offers a unique and transformative reading experience. It inspires readers to prepare for the challenges and opportunities that await in the ever-evolving landscape of future work, all while actively participating in an unforgettable adventure.




Galaxy Collisions


Book Description

The spectacular images of galaxy collisions capture the imagination. This book will show what is out there in the universe, what it’s like in other galaxies, what they might look like, and how cosmic processes might affect life in other solar systems. It will explain crucial stages in the development of physical structure in the universe, and the effect of galaxy scale processes. Professor Struck will explore all the issues surrounding galaxy collisions. He will begin with a brief broad review of the background on galaxies, the history of their discovery, and how this has been driven by steadily improving technology. Chapters 2 gives details of the early stages of different types of galaxy collision - Rings of Fire, Tidal Swings and Retrograde and Sideways Reels - while Chapter 3 describes collisions between galaxies of very different masses: minor merger or dwarf destruction. Chapter 4 covers ultra-luminous infrared galaxies and major mergers and Chapter 5 briefly examines the techniques used for computer simulation results and how increasing computer capacity has affected the development of this field. The following chapter looks at understanding the physical processes of triggered star formation and nuclear activity. Chapters 7-9 look at the broader view of cosmological structure growth which determines the environment and conditions in which galaxy collisions occur. In the densest environments, this process repeats itself on the larger scale of galaxy clusters. The concluding chapter considers what a galaxy collision looks like from a solar system like ours. Although the galaxy is completely restructured and the night sky view would change greatly over the course of several hundred million years, the direct effects on our planet would be few and infrequent, with only a small probability of being truly catastrophic. These issues will be explored along with the ideas that galaxies must reach a certain evolutionary "maturity" before they can even form solar systems, and that there are habitable zones within galaxies. Thus, galaxy scale processes, like collisions, can determine the fate of life on Earth-like planets.