F Thomas Jones

Jones offers a combat-filled space opera that should pass muster with fans of military sci-fi à la the original Lorne Greene Battle Star Galactica rather than the new one. Several centuries in the future, a united, space-faring humanity, now known as the Guardians, confronts its deadliest nemesis in the Klingon-like Tirgonians, members of a militaristic and aggressive empire that believes humanity's penchant for peaceful coexistence, an unbearably distasteful notion. After years of an uneasy truce, a sudden and unprovoked Tirgonian blitzkrieg across the two civilizations' "Agreed Zone" boundary devastates the Guardians' worlds and outposts. The remaining five hundred-plus survivors board the advanced Battleship Hope. Gandle "Hops" Hoppinzorinski, a war hero from a previous conflict, in Capt. Kirk mode has tangled with the Tirgonians before. Now, he finds himself commanding the Hope and dealing with the unexpected discovery of additional Guardian warships, but the defection of one the foremost Tirgonian combat commanders, Telebisque Teka. Tekas's defection includes himself and the Fighting Star Palup with its entire crew. The prose offers up a large amount of square-jawed, war-room talk, wasting no time on sentimental mourning for a destroyed Earth, slain loved ones, or the impending extinction of the human race. It's practically all action as the Guardians strive to deploy their new and greatly improved weapons and tactics against a bellicose enemy that consistently outguns but constantly underestimates the Guardians' willingness to fight for their survival and return to their peaceful way of life.

The war between the Guardians and the Tirgonian Empire is now in its' second year. However, the surviving Guardians from Outpost Capricorn Seven were able to board a newly designed warship, christened Hope. This revolutionary ship has many enhancements which provide the survivors with greater protection and defensive capabilities. After a brief period of relative calm, the Hope begins experiencing navigation difficulties just before encountering a ship of unknown design. This new ship of a smaller design than the Hope. It is discovered this ship is Guardian and also survived the Tirgonian onslaught. Through innovated tactics and ingenuity, the Guardians Space Defense Fleet, under the command of High Commander Gandel Hoppinzorinski, has been able to thwart the efforts of the Tirgonian Space Defense Force while sustaining less than expected losses. After evading and escaping several traps set by Telecoup Mular, Commanding Officer of the Fifth Tirgonian Battle Group, and unbeknownst to the crew of the Hope, is being escorted and protected by a large number of concealed Guardian ships of war. The Guardians aboard the Hope discover  there are more than a dozen other ships, all equipped with the enhanced concealment technology. The Guardian Council of Elders decides on a dangerous course across to safely reach a small planet on the far side of the Empire called Paporia Two. Without any warning, High Commander Hoppinzorinski, commonly referred to as Hops, receives an unusual communication from an old advisory and friend, Telebisque Serligh Teka of the Tirgonian Defense Force. Teka, commanding the Fighting Star Palup extends a precarious, and completely unauthorized, invitation to the Guardian High Commander for a covert meeting. Telebisque Teka is tired of fighting and wants to return to more peaceful way of life and requests sanctuary. Hops, realizing the unusual opportunity now before him, devises a unique solution. Now, one the most feared fighting platforms is under the command and control of the Guardians, giving them renewed hope. They now have the capability to engage their enemy with one of their own powerful vessels.

The Guardians quickly put their new-found asset to the ultimate test. Telecoup Veskin, with the support of an added Battle Groups, attempts to engage the Guardian fleet to begin what he believes to be the final assault against the Empires current enemy. However, using a battle strategy developed by Teka, Fighting Star Hidlok is destroyed. Once again, the Guardians escape and continue their quest for peace.