Interview & Giveaway: Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space by H. Peter Alesso

Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space

Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space
H. Peter Alesso

Genre: Science Fiction

Date of Publication: December 13, 2012

Number of pages: 334

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Sony     Kobo     Smashwords

As the last star fighter in squadron 111, Midshipman Henry Gallant is on his way from Jupiter to Mars. With the United Planets' fleet on the verge of annihilation, he can expect no help as he passes through the asteroid belt and threatening aliens. With so much uncertainty about the aliens’ capabilities and intentions, analyzing the captured computer equipment in Gallant’s possession could prove crucial.

The fate of Earth could rest on the abilities of Midshipman Henry Gallant. Unfortunately, it is his abilities that have been much in doubt during his tour of duty. In an era of genetic engineering, he is the only Natural (non-genetically enhanced) officer left in the fleet. His classmates and superior officers have all expressed their concern that he will not be up to the demands of the space service. Only bright and attractive junior officer Kelsey Mitchel has shown any sympathy for him. Now as his navigator on the last fighter in squadron 111, her life as well as a good many others, depends of Henry Gallant.

Excerpt: 

Gallant stood at attention inside the open hatch. Captain Kenneth Caine was seated with his back to Gallant while he reviewed Gallant’s military record on a computer tablet. Clean-shaven with close-cropped graying hair, Caine was solidly built with square shoulders and a craggy face.

From his short time on board, Gallant had already realized that the Repulse was an orderly ship and that Kenneth Caine was an orderly captain. Precision and disciple were expected. He was suddenly conscious of the fact that his tangled brown hair was somewhat longer than regulations allowed.

The cabin was sparely furnished, revealing a traditional stark military room. A desk rested in one well lit corner and held the single personal item in the room, a photo. It showed an attractive mature woman with a pleasant smile. It hinted of someone who had made a bad bargain – that of the lonely wife of a devoted space officer.

While the captain rapidly slid his finger across the tablet screen, flipping through the personnel folder, Gallant’s gaze wandered to the scene visible from the compartment’s porthole. The solar flare had subsided, leaving gigantic colorful Jupiter filling most of the view.

“Mr. Gallant, come in,” said Caine, finally turning to face the newcomer. “Welcome aboard the Repulse.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Gallant in a strong clear voice.

“What do you know of this ship’s mission, Mr. Gallant?”

“As flagship of the Jupiter Fleet, Repulse is required to prevent further alien encroachment along the Jupiter frontier, sir,” ventured Gallant cautiously.

“Quite right, as far as it goes. But you’ll find Mr. Gallant, that there are often more layers involved than may appear on the surface. As a United Planets' (UP) officer, it is your responsibility to find the additional shades of meaning that can affect the performance of your duties. What would you surmise is behind this frontier watch?” The captain’s reassuring voice beckoned a resolute answer.

Gallant spoke guardedly, at first, but then with growing confidence he said, “Well, sir, UP knows little about the aliens' origins or intentions. They appear to have bases on the satellites of the outer planets. Clashes with their scout ships have proven troublesome and Fleet Command wants to gather more intelligence. With so little known about the alien technology, it’s difficult to assess the best way to repel them. Nevertheless, this fleet is tasked with forestalling any possibility of an invasion of Earth by preventing the aliens from gaining a foothold in this sector of space.”

Trailer: 

Interview: 

Today, we welcome H. Peter Alesso to Musings and Ramblings. Let's all give him a big Geeky welcome!

I have some questions for you that are writer specific as well as some fun stuff so that we can really get to know the real you. *grin* Plus we will finish things off with round of Think Fast. Ready to begin?

Writing Specific
1. Tell us something about yourself that's not in your bio.

I am a voracious reader. I have habitually read several books a weeks in a wide variety of subjects since I first obtained a library card.

2. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I enjoy solving word or number puzzles and games, as well as computer programming to create my own Android apps.

3. How did you choose the genres you write in?

Science fiction novels provide wonderful adventures in unexpected places with unusual characters and strange circumstance. They are my preferred hang out.

4. Is there any particular author or book that has influenced you or your writing?

I’ve enjoyed the stories of The Lost Fleet series by Jack Campbell and it inspired a story that I wanted to share. Midshipman Henry Gallant was the result.

5. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Any feedback, complimentary or critical, can be useful in learning more about a writer’s ability to improve and develop better skills.

Fun Stuff
6. If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, fictional or real, who would it be and why?

I don’t have an answer, but I will continue to wonder.

7. You are going to be stranded on a deserted island and bring 3 luxury items. What would they be?

A powerful solar panel, a computer, and a word processor so that I can keep writing.

8. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who are they and why?

na

9. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Lots of good wholesome food.

10. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

na

Think Fast
Summer or Winter? Summer
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Cake or Pie? Pie
Car or Truck? Car
Print or Electronic? Electronic

Thanks for coming by and spending some time with us. Any final words of wisdom to pass along?

Believe in yourself. You’ll find there is always more strength within you than you first image.

Giveaway: 

Winner's choice of $100 Amazon or BN.com gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour Info: 
Don't forget to check out the other stops on the Book Tour:

July 22:
My Devotional Thoughts
Welcome to My World of Dreams

July 23:
Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews

July 24:
The Dan O'Brien Project
Author Rose Wynters

July 25:
Straight from the Library

July 26:
Andi's Book Reviews

July 29:
Reading In Twilight
Sharing Links and Wisdom

July 30:
It's Raining Books

July 31:
Book 'Em North Carolina

August 1:
Frankie Blooding's Bookshelf

August 2:
Out of the Lockbox

August 5:
Danita Minnis

August 6:
Long and Short Reviews

August 7:
Critters at the Keyboard....
Hywela Lyn - Romance That's 'Out Of this World'

August 8:
Hope Dreams. Life... Love

August 9:
Deal Sharing Aunt
Smoldering Romance

August 12:
Multi-verses of Liza O
The Write to Read

August 13:
Musings and Ramblings

August 14:
Queen of All She Reads

August 15:
Wake Up Your Wild Side

August 16:
Misa Buckley - Out of This World Romance

Author Bio:

As a scientist and author specializing in technology innovation, H. Peter Alesso has over twenty years research experience at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). As Engineering Group Leader at LLNL he led a team of computer scientists and engineers in innovative applications across a wide range of supercomputers, workstations and networks. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. and served in the U.S. Navy on nuclear submarines before completing an M.S. and an advanced Engineering Degree at M.I.T. He has published several software titles and numerous scientific journal and conference articles, and he is the author/co-author of six books. (Website www.hpeteralesso.com)

To connect with the author online:

Email | Website | Blog | Facebook | Google + | Linked In | Goodreads