About the Author
Dawn A. Steinman is an author with a passion for crafting immersive science fiction stories that captivate and thrill. With a background in both science and creative writing, Dawn weaves intricate plots that explore the boundaries of human experience and the mysteries of the universe. Her debut novel, The Ghost Ship, showcases her talent for blending suspense, technology, and the unknown into a narrative that resonates with readers long after they’ve finished the book. When she isn’t writing, Dawn enjoys stargazing, exploring the latest developments in space exploration, and contemplating the next great adventure that awaits in the cosmos.
The Ghost Ship Trilogy: The Zephyr - Book One Recap
The story begins with Lieutenant Alastar Kar, a man with a mysterious past and unique amber eyes, embarking on his first mission as the Second in Command of the infamous starship Zephyr. The ship’s mission is to transport diplomatic envoys from various planets to a peace conference, but from the outset, tension and distrust among the delegates hint at the challenges ahead. The Zephyr is a sleek, experimental corvette known for its speed and advanced cloaking technology, making it a legend in the fleet.
Kar quickly learns that the mission isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The Zephyr carries delegates from multiple worlds, each with their own cultural quirks and hidden agendas. Notable among the crew are Master Chief Roberta Doxon, a seasoned security officer; Ensign Amara Martinez Morgan, a young linguist and security expert; and Corporal Javiar Torres, a resourceful engineer. Captain James Riker, the ship’s commanding officer, is absent, leaving Kar to fill his shoes—a task he finds daunting.
As the journey progresses, it becomes clear that not all the delegates can be trusted. The Gaean ambassadors, who are part of a larger, sinister plot, work from within the Zephyr to gather strategic information for the Gaean Empire. The Empire, long planning to take control of the galaxy, has initiated a series of attacks across the Orion Arm, targeting key figures in governments and militaries. Their goal is to destabilize the region and pave the way for their dominance.
The Zephyr is ambushed by a massive alien ship, the Wraith, which is revealed to be of Gaean design. The Gaeans aboard the Zephyr have compromised the ship’s systems, leaving it vulnerable. The ship is thrust into a desperate battle, and during the chaos, Lieutenant Kar, Ensign Morgan, and Corporal Torres narrowly escape in a damaged escape pod, leaving the fate of the Zephyr and its crew uncertain.
Kar, Morgan, and Torres find themselves stranded in deep space, with no idea where they are or how to return home. Their pod is severely damaged, and Kar, injured and suffering from a mysterious infection, struggles to maintain consciousness. They drift through space, hoping their distress signal will be found, while dealing with the immediate threats of survival, including dwindling supplies and the constant fear of discovery by hostile forces.
After several days adrift, the trio’s situation becomes critical as their pod’s systems fail, and they crash-land on an unknown planet. The crash is brutal, leaving them injured and their pod in ruins. Despite the harsh conditions, they manage to salvage what they can and begin the search for shelter and water. The planet, though beautiful, is an unknown and potentially hostile environment.
Meanwhile, on the Zephyr, the remaining crew members, including Chief Petty Officer Doxon, Lieutenant Yara Petrova, and a few diplomats, are fighting a losing battle against the Gaean forces. As the ship is overrun, they make a desperate attempt to escape, forming uneasy alliances with some of the alien delegates. They manage to reach a shuttle and, after a fierce firefight, flee the Zephyr, heading towards a prearranged rendezvous point in the hopes of regrouping with other survivors.
As the book closes, the survivors of the Zephyr are scattered, each group facing their own struggles. Kar, Morgan, and Torres are left stranded on a strange planet, unaware that this world might hold the key to the resistance against the Gaean Empire. Meanwhile, the Gaean Empire’s plans continue to unfold, threatening the stability of the Orion Arm and the entire galaxy.