Gravity 3 "Gravity to the Power of Three"

By Zak Lettercast

In the boundless expanse of space aboard the seed ship Vorena, "Gravity to the Power of Three" by Zak Lettercast weaves a heart-stirring narrative of love, resilience, and the quest for connection. Far from Earth, Brian awakens from three centuries in hypersleep, only to find himself in a world unlike any he has known. Alongside his fellow crewmates, Nydia and Yvain, the trio undertakes a groundbreaking mission to decipher an enigmatic alien language. Yet, as they unravel the mathematical melodies of communication, they discover something infinitely more profound—a bond that defies expectation, uniting them in unexpected love and shared destiny.

In the face of adversity, their relationship blossoms, navigating the complexities of their mission and the gravity of their feelings. But when Brian's life suddenly hangs in the balance, the strength of their union is tested like never before. Faced with the possibility of loss, they confront what it means to love amidst the vastness of the cosmos.

"Gravity to the Power of Three" is not just a tale of exploring the unknown; it's a testament to the enduring power of human connection, the resilience of the spirit, and the courage to love beyond the stars. Join Brian, Nydia, and Yvain on their odyssey of discovery, passion, and survival, where the power of three becomes the force that binds them together against the backdrop of the infinite universe.

Beta reader and ARC reviews:

"It's a daring exploration of love in its myriad forms. Through the lens of bisexuality, polyamory, and open relationships, the author challenges readers to consider the infinite ways we can connect and the lengths we'll go to hold onto those bonds. Poignant, hopeful, and unabashedly tender, this story transcends the vastness of space to touch the core of human desire—the need to be understood, to love, and to be loved in return." -- Mark
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Story Den Publications
• Release date: Apr 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224510986

Book preview

waking

It’s hard, knowing you’re so far away. Knowing I’ll be dead – we’ll all be dead – by the time you see this. I love you so much… I miss you. Garrett’s voice quivered as he spoke. His tears trailed down his arroyo wrinkles like flash floods in the Sierra Nevadas.

I’m glad you went, I really am. Even after all these years of feeling that empty spot in my life… I’m happy just to know that you’re out there somewhere doing the right thing. Louise’s voice caught.

Happy birthday, babe!

We love you!

Brian paused the recording. That was enough for one evening. The first thing he did when he came out of hypersleep last week was start watching the videos they had sent him. He wanted to watch them all at once, but it was proving difficult. He still had almost forty years' worth of videos to get through before the funeral clips.

He swallowed the last of his brandy to stifle the grief that stood sharp in his chest. The holo display clicked off, and he looked at himself in the mirror. It wasn’t the image he was used to. The new body was foreign and young. He would have to get used to it eventually; the thing was designed to remain in the prime of life for one thousand years. He tied his bowtie and fastened his belt. It was going to be a long night.

Bay windows lined the hallway, which was to become his regular commute to and from his office at the university. He mused at the darkness of space that gave way to slow-moving pinpoints of light. He knew he would not be able to see Earth by the time he was roused from his slumber. That did not quell his feelings of unease at the prospect of being so terribly far from home.

Dr. Loreley? A voice called from behind him. He steeled himself for human interaction, stopped, and turned.

Yes.

Hi there, I’m Nydia Astrophel. Dr. Nydia Astrophel, but you can just call me Nydia, the person said, offering their hand for a shake. He stuck his out and shook robotically, evidently looking clueless because Nydia quickly added, I’m the program director for our department at the university, pronouns she/her.

Ah, yes, you’ll excuse my forgetfulness, he said with a tight smile.

Nydia nodded. You’ve been through a lot, sir, and have much further to go. Shall we? She indicated the direction of the event hall.

Let’s, he replied as warmly as he could muster. After a few moments of awkward silence, he attempted small talk. I really wish I could say I was looking forward to this whole thing, but…

I agree. It’s been a pain to put this whole thing togeth- Nydia stopped cold, realizing she might have just insulted one of the most famous people on the ship. Bright red streaked her dark cheeks. I mean– well, you know. It’s a professional party, so it’s just been… difficult? To… get people to… She stopped cold, wishing she had never opened her mouth. They approached the entrance to the event hall and stopped. She stared at the ground, embarrassed beyond belief.

Don’t worry, Dr. Astrophel, Brian said, turning to her. I’m bad at people, too. That’s why I went into English. I’m much more about the books and the dead playwrights. He pulled his cap off and entered the event space, sporting a humble grin. Applause started before he was halfway to his table at the head of the room. He waved his cap as though to sportingly tell everyone to knock it off. The crowd took it in good humor.

Nydia followed behind him, making introductions as they went. By the time they reached the table, she had forgiven herself for the blunder in the hallway. The cocktail hour went smoothly, and Nydia managed to prevent her foot from hopping straight into her mouth the entire time. Finally, it was time for the main event. She excused herself and approached the microphone. She said a few words about the great and insurmountable Dr. Brian Loreley, then turned to him. The spotlight blinded him briefly, and, cushioned by applause, Nydia’s words echoed about the chamber.

And now, I present to you this great man whose introduction I have probably butchered… Dr. Brian Loreley! Come on up to the stage, professor.

He did as her disembodied voice beckoned, still unused to his new bones, which no longer creaked, and his muscles, which no longer ached with atrophy. He stood at the podium, taking in the sight of the backlit audience. On Earth, in days long past, he would have tried to pick out familiar faces. He would have found Louise by her fierce applause and Garrett by his unwavering smile. Brian closed his eyes and breathed away their ghostly visages that floated like wraiths in the back of his mind.

It is an honor to be here, he started. It was basic, but it would do well enough. "I, like your families, have traveled for generations here on this seed-ship that is the hope of life anew for our species. Though the ones we left behind are long gone, they