Blurb 2.4

Let's see if we can make it fit on the back cover. 254 words.

In Old Testament times, co-occupancy with migrants from another planet was, for humans, like having a rich uncle who stopped answering the door. And then, in 48 BCE, the Alexandrian Library burned down. Evidence destroyed. The Anye faded into the shadows and we forgot about them; until recently, when a 1×2 kilometer starship showed up at the Dust Cloud, there to rescue Earth from cosmic disaster.

“Not so fast”, said the global elite. “What’s in it for us?”

United States President Carmen Benequista is dealing with a mutinous Congress, in no mood to entertain a dream séance, during which her deceased husband says, “Find someone to share your life.”

Unwelcome advice, but it’s not impossible. Space Mafia executive Brandon Lopez is waiting for a signal. Only, God willing it should be that simple.

Meanwhile, first-contact survivor Mason Fowlkes, soon to be 16, is growing up fast as an apprentice space mechanic. The work life is great; the home life not so much.

Elsewhere, Aéronautique Lieutenant Marie Jourdaine is on the rebound after a brief stint as the world’s youngest female fighter pilot. It’s none too soon — the French military is about to exit the aviation business.

As if things aren’t strange enough, Anye-tech maroli labor appliances are becoming self-aware. Egg-shaped grav-lift chassis. Bio-engineered tentacles strong enough to pull your arms off. Possessed perhaps by spirits of the dead, but nice guys, in general.

The apple cart is out of control, but sometimes, no matter what’s going on, you have to make it about you.

Seriously. I'm planning to serialize Maroli Tango on Substack. Who's interested? Tell us in the comments.