The Last Starfighter: A Young Adult Sci-Fi

By Orion Frost

In a universe plagued by darkness, where civilizations once thrived now face the tyranny of the Darkspire Collective, a group of unlikely heroes emerges to ignite a rebellion that will reshape the destiny of the cosmos. "The Last Starfighter: A Young Adult Sci-Fi " is a thrilling young adult sci-fi epic that takes readers on an intergalactic jou

• Language: English
• Publisher: RWG Publishing
• Release date: Sep 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088289594

Book preview

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Chapter One: The Ordinary World of Alex Ryland

Alex Ryland had long held the belief that his life was predestined for a state of mediocrity. He adhered to a consistent daily routine while residing in the tranquil town of Crestwood. The alarm clock's loud sound awakened him from his dreams every morning, indicating the beginning of another repetitive day. The academic experience was characterized by unremarkable classes, with the exception of the presence of the protagonist's best friend, Sarah, who had the ability to make even the most mundane math lecture enjoyable.

Despite not being the most popular student in school, Alex had a distinct identity with his untamed brown hair and fondness for vintage video games. He spent his afternoons at the nearby arcade, excelling at games unfamiliar to his peers. He gained recognition for his exceptional scores and fast reaction times, although his achievements were primarily personal in nature.

Alex's distinguishing characteristic was his profound interest in celestial bodies. The room was decorated with posters depicting constellations and galaxies, while a telescope was prominently displayed near the window. Frequently, he would spend his evenings contemplating the heavens, envisioning himself traversing the universe, seeking liberation from the limitations of his rural community.

During sunset, Alex received an unusual email. The email subject line states, Readiness for Starfighter Role. Curious and perplexed, he accessed the message and discovered a video invitation. The screen displayed a holographic figure with a combination of human and alien characteristics, presenting a blend of the familiar and the unfamiliar.

The figure greeted Alex Ryland with a voice that conveyed both warmth and authority. Based on our observations, we have identified your potential to become an exceptional Starfighter, possibly one of the most accomplished in the galaxy.

Alex's heart raced as he observed the hologram's ongoing discourse. The individual identified themselves as Joraan, a representative of the Starfighter Academy. This academy is renowned for its training of young warriors to protect the universe from an imminent alien danger.

Alex quietly expressed his disbelief, doubting the reality of the situation by pinching his arm. However, the hologram's message persisted, revealing an undisclosed conflict occurring unbeknownst to the residents of Earth. The text discussed intergalactic alliances, advanced technology, and the urgent requirement for skilled pilots to reverse the situation.

After the hologram's message ended, Alex faced a seemingly insurmountable decision. The individual faced a choice between remaining in their familiar environment, where they held the title of high-score champion at a nearby arcade, or embarking on a potentially transformative journey with the potential to alter historical events. He contemplated the stars he had observed through his window, pondering whether they represented a glimpse of the adventure he had long desired.

Alex's mind raced as he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling that night. He felt the weight of the decision, which was both exhilarating and frightening. He was aware that accepting the invitation would entail relinquishing his familiar surroundings, including his family, friends, and the secure environment of Crestwood. However, the opportunity to become a Starfighter and engage in interstellar exploration and defense surpassed his wildest dreams.

The next day, Alex informed Sarah about the peculiar email, to which she responded with a combination of enthusiasm and doubt. She questioned whether the holographic image on his computer screen was a prank.

Alex responded with uncertainty, his fingers delicately exploring the contours of the hologram. However, what if the situation is indeed genuine? What if an undiscovered universe exists, awaiting our exploration?

Sarah's face displayed a pensive expression as she let out a sigh. Alex, you have consistently pursued ambitious goals. If someone is going to undertake such a significant endeavor, it is most likely to be you.

Sarah's support clarified Alex's decision. The Starfighter Academy provided an opportunity for the individual to leave behind their ordinary life and exchange their reputation as a local hero for a position in the vast realm of interstellar affairs. He composed a reply to the email, expressing his acceptance of the invitation, and experienced heightened excitement as he clicked the send button.

The decision had been made and was irreversible. Alex Ryland was prepared to explore the unknown reality that would intersect with his familiar world. He eagerly anticipated the journey that awaited him among the stars.

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Chapter Two: The Mysterious Invitation

The period after Alex accepted the invitation was characterized by a mixture of excitement and ambiguity. Each email notification brought him excitement, but the content of the messages was unremarkable. They consisted of acceptance confirmation, logistical details for his trip, and a set of encrypted files that he was unable to decode.

As the departure date approached, Alex experienced a mix of emotions, feeling both excited and anxious. He dedicated a significant amount of time to researching the Starfighter Academy, thoroughly examining archived forums and lesser-known online sources. Speculation circulated regarding the undisclosed whereabouts of the academy, the mysterious nature of its teachers, and the exceptional skills possessed by its alumni. There were claims of Starfighters having energy manipulation abilities, as well as rumors of teleportation and mind-reading.

Shortly before his departure from Crestwood, Alex received a message on his computer. The subject line consisted of intricate symbols, while the sender's address was a jumble of alphanumeric characters. He cautiously and curiously opened the email.

The message consisted of a single line instructing the recipient to meet at the provided coordinates.

The email contained coordinates and a file named EpsilonProtocol.docx. Alex's heart raced as they discovered that the numbers led to a secluded area in a nearby forest. Upon printing the file, the presence of the map combined with the coordinates confirmed the authenticity of the invitation.

With a blend of anticipation and apprehension, Alex packed his backpack with the map and his bicycle, informing his parents that he intended to embark on an extended cycling excursion to alleviate his mental burden. The cyclist rode through familiar streets until reaching an area with tall trees, where the sounds of human activity were replaced by the sound of leaves rustling. He proceeded further into the forest, guided by the map, experiencing an increased heart rate.

The individual followed the forest path and arrived at a clearing, where they were met with a surreal scene. In the center, there was a shimmering translucent dome that reflected the surrounding trees, creating a captivating spectacle of light and color. As Alex neared, the surface of the dome undulated and separated, granting him access to its interior.

Within the confines of the dome, an electric atmosphere permeated the air, overwhelming Alex's senses with an array of