Son of Thunder

By James M M Baldwin

Short Story- Pushing the boundaries of speed in space travel, an unexpected anomaly forces Commander Stern Kirklan to make the toughest decision of his career. Could a mysterious phenomenon endanger his crew and their mission. With thoughts of his family millions of miles behind, awaiting his return, he must make the right choice to avert disaster and assure success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James M M Baldwin
• Release date: Jan 6, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465864420

James M M Baldwin

James M M Baldwin writes speculative fiction with an interaction between spirituality, science, and humanity. His science fiction, fantasy, and horror writing interjects spiritual self-awareness and its influence on the natural environment and the universe. Adding to the relationship between human nature and enlightenment, the occasional rocket ship and alien creature color his imaginary worlds. James is an author, artist, poet, musician, runner, and bicyclist. He is an active participant in the Nebraska Writers Workshop and lives in Omaha with his wife and children, and their dogs and cats.

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Son of Thunder

James M M Baldwin

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Copyright 2012 James M M Baldwin

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Son of Thunder

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Son of Thunder

James M. M. Baldwin

Commander Stern Kirklan spoke strong and unwavering on the com system. We have a go for operation Ride the Lightning. On my mark, Four, Three, Two, One.

Mission Specialist Patrick Hektor released the nuclear accelerant and, after the longest two seconds of Commander Stern’s life, a bright flash lit the windows of the ship.

Nothing happened. Stern expected an increase in g-force but none came. He engaged the com and addressed his pilot. Sari, what kind of readings did you get?

A calm female voice answered. A negligible velocity boost commander.

Stern wondered if the scientists in their comfortable chairs back at mission control might have miscalculated. Their unmanned test had ended in disastrous failure. Might the effects of each progressively closer detonation also have an unintentional consequence? Stern knew even a minor inaccuracy could incinerate them.

The safety of his crew surpassed all other concerns on his list. He keyed the com. Stand down on stage two. We need to review the data before reinitiating.

Sari Haden’s voice came back. Don’t get cold feet on us commander.

Stern surveyed a myriad of controls and gages surrounding him. "My feet are perfectly warm. Besides, it’s my duty