The Collective

200 years after Apollo 11 landed on the moon the Western Republic is preparing to launch an exploration spacecraft to Epsilon Eridani. The Columbia (named in honor of the Apollo 11 command module) is the first of a new class of space ship using Gravity propulsion. The sheer mass required for the Gravity Generators results in a ship of massive proportions. Additionally the propulsion functions by "pushing against" or "pulling at" near or distant gravity sources. These gravity concentrators are mounted around the Gravity Generators on the exterior of the ship in all directions forming a sphere. The result is something similar looking to the Death Star from Star Wars only instead of one large depression there are many smaller depressions over the entire surface. The Gravity Generators also form a gravity bubble around the ship, in essence forming a small singularity, warping local space and separating the ship from the local gravity. In effect the ship exerts near zero mass. The crew resides inside the shell, protected from cosmic radiation by the gravity bubble and living in a normal gravity environment. The gravity propulsion is only used outside the solar system and ion drive is used to move the ship in-system but since the ship exerts near zero local mass the ion drives can realize tremendous acceleration and about .8 C (.8 the speed of light). The political environment of earth in 2169 has altered greatly from that of the time of Apollo 11. The early 21st century saw total economic collapse of many governments and the religious wars around 2030 resulted in social and economic realignment on a global scale. The remnants of the western democracies formed the Western Republic, the socialist regions formed the Peoples Confederation, and the Islamic Theocracies formed the Muslim Empire. The Western Republic was economically the strongest and funded the expedition to begin manned exploration and colonization of the solar neighbors. Epsilon Eridani is not the absolute closest (at 10.5 light years) but holds the most promising planet for colonization in near space. The 5th planet in the system, code named Eden for the expedition, appears to be a near perfect twin to Earth in astronomical studies. Additionally no electromagnetic signals have been detected from the region and so it is assumed holds no technology. Perfect planet for colonization by a population tired from years of conflict. No open wars but a very tense relationship with military often on high alert and small "incidents" are common. CentCom's worst fears were confirmed as suicide attacks and mines were used in an all-out effort to stop the Republic's Gravity Drive Ship from leaving the solar system. The heroic efforts and sacrifice of the escort ships managed to safely see the Columbia on her way. On arrival to the Epsilon Eridani system the crew was relieved the long voyage was nearly over until they were attacked and barely survived a nuclear missile attack from Eden. Still sensing no electronic emissions from the planet, and indeed there was no propulsion or telemetry from the missiles, the crew are baffled and dejected until the Collective makes contact with Glory Callaghan, in her dreams. Would this be the start of an alliance or another enemy? This is the first book by David McCahan and planned to be the first book of a three part series.