Shoot for Earth: MedSci Missions 3

Shocking Diplomacy

When you’re on a mission to talk to a scientist who kidnapped the daughter of another scientist who kidnapped you, you can’t be too careful. Shoot first seems prudent on occasion. Is it the right course of action? Even as he’s using his well-honed skills, microbiologist Scott D’Amour isn’t sure. Who would be? As the ranking black belt in my karate dojo, I call out “Refrain from violent behaviour,” among other directives, during the meditative end-of-class segment. It might seem ironic to chant such a thing in a martial arts class, but never striking first is vital. Senseis would refuse to train students who didn’t embrace peaceful principles. On spaceship Chiron, fighting is taught with the same morals. The head of Chiron’s security is also a karate instructor. Captain Walsh wants no more of war. Thus, Scott’s bosses on board, and on the alien planet he’s working on, might find his choice of diplomacy a little shocking. His opponents, literally so. Enjoy this tiny excerpt from the trilogy finale that opens a universe of further adventures. (Click “View Profile” or my website to see my science fiction books available now.)