The First Strike

Sandra Ramirez was supposed to be going home to her daughter. Instead, she's going to war.

Sixty-five million years ago, in the Sombrero Galaxy, the Emperor demands retaliation for a massacre. Commander Ramirez has orders to lead twelve fighters against a Xenari supply convoy.

She has spent years preparing for combat. She has never fired on an occupied ship.

The plan is to catch the convoy before its escorts can respond. But the enemy fights back, and one of her own pilots opens fire after she orders him to stop.

With reinforcements closing and a wounded pilot stranded, Ramirez has minutes to get her squadron out. To bring them home, she must rely on the very man who ignored her orders.

The First Strike is a standalone military science-fiction short story of approximately 4,600 words, not a full-length novel. Set before The Last Hope, it offers an introduction to The Origin Series. No previous reading required.

Contains combat violence and strong language.