The Argo: 50 Short Stories of Galaxies, Gentlemen, and Gallantry (ePub)

These are the adventures of Clayton Wade.

Serving as a Leftenant aboard the 48 gun Argo, Mr. Wade operates the gun deck as the Nelsonian Class ship journeys across the galaxies protecting galactic trade routes from a dark enemy known as Scavengers. After commissioning from the Military Academy in 2632 A.D. on his home planet Thera, Midshipman Wade cut his teeth fighting these dark forces while assigned to The Ezra. After passing the exam for Ensign before the mast and a few close calls fighting Scavengers, he was promptly assigned to the larger and more maneuverable Argo.

Modeled after the 18th century Man-o'-War frigates fighting on the high seas, the Nelsonian fleet comprises a battle configuration outfitted with solar sails, tall masts, taut lines, and massive, modern guns capable of blasting out energy converted from the light of the galaxies as the Argo travels through the stars.

Along with the Captain and Commander, Leftenant Wade navigates life aboard and amidst the universe accompanied with his counterpart, Ensign Maury. A rarity amongst the other more modern starships of the day, the Argo and her crew are somewhat of an anomaly. Dressed in long coats, cocked hats, shined boots, swords, and high collars, the Officers of the Argo are Gentlemen – volunteering and making the mark to serve on the ships most likely to fight, and be destroyed, as they sail across the universe to protect transports from Scavengers.

Star Ports and Stations, open space and known trade routes, Leftenant Wade's daily life is a struggle just to survive. While coping with such conditions, Clayton finds himself challenged with the same troubles as everyone else in the universe, human or not.

Set sail. Hold on tight. And run out the guns.