MissionSRX: Before Space Recon

Matthew D. White’s short story preludes his three volume space opera Mission: SRX series. If this story is a glimpse of what’s to happen in Confessions of the First War, Ephemeral Solace, and Deep Unknown...then this officer in the U.S. Air Force has a hit on his hands. Clearly the esoteric input was derived from the officer’s knowledge of modern aircraft and rockets. Of course there are many first contact novels out there; such as, H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds (1898), Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and Rendezvous with Rama (1973)...my personal favorite. I’m not comparing White’s 53 page short story with the above space opera classics, but I am saying that I liked what I read and can only conclude that the author’s ensuing three novels must be a somewhat fascinating sci-fi journey (I have not read the author’s above mentioned novels). So let me tell you a little about this short story that foreshadows the main body of work by ten years.

The space cargo ship, Defiance, is hauling supplies between Earth and the Sol Bravo system (the first system found with intelligent life) when it’s navigation system malfunctions. Or is it interference from the previously peaceful Aquillian race? They are lost in space. Lt. Commander Warren Hughes of the USC (United Space Corps) cargo ship is suspicious that someone or something is interfering with his ship. Why? What cargo is he hauling? Suddenly the drifting cargo ship is contacted by the Aquillians. Lt. Commander Hughes tells them, “We have encountered significant interference to our navigation systems and are unable to continue to our destination.” The Aquillian ship responds with, “We have dispatched three transports along with our primary maintenance crew to lend assistance to your ship.” Assistance, really?

Meanwhile on a asteroid, a USC recovery team, led by Lieutenant Kael, is alerted by his Sergeant that the cargo ship Defiance is two hours late to it’s destination and is probably a little off course. Lt. Kael says, “So they’re a little off course. That’s not unheard of.” The soldier replies, “USC-Instruction states that a recovery team be alerted if an arrival is more than two hours late.” The team takes off in search of the missing cargo ship. What happens next will set the tone for the three eventuating novels. I thought the story was exciting, but feel that Mr. White could do better with his prose...it was a bit too simple (my only knock, but it’s a big deal with me). Based on this prequel, I’ll give the ‘green light’ to the reading of the rest of the series.