[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0.1)” background_color_gradient_end=”#2bbc2d” background_color_gradient_direction=”124deg” background_color_gradient_start_position=”30%” background_color_gradient_end_position=”90%” background_image=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ebook-17-1.png” background_position=”bottom_center” custom_padding=”5vw||5vw||true|” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” border_color_all=”#31d190″ border_width_left=”10px” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_center” max_width=”1280px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”40px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”0vw|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”Montserrat|800||on|||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”4.5vw” header_line_height=”1.1em” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||30px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”1.8em” text_line_height_phone=”1.7em” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”8vw” header_font_size_phone=”10vw” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n If you’re looking for the IGMC Origin Story that is the genesis of the Predator Planet series, you came to the right place!<\/i><\/p>\n I used to love looking at the stars at night. And then I found out one of them was trying to kill us.<\/em><\/strong><\/i><\/p>\n Working the late shift at one of North America’s SEARCH labs, I received a hoax message that had me rolling my eyes and my office chair straight to the trash bin. But when a host of clues started to accumulate along with news of a distant asteroid, I realized the hoax might be humanity’s only chance at hope. But my newfound knowledge put a target on my back, and I couldn’t trust anyone. Except for the quirky internet stranger that found me on reddit. Together, maybe we could give Earth a fighting chance. But as the doomsday clock ticked down, I began to wonder if it was even worth saving.<\/p>\n <\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/BookHip.com\/LTBNPKZ” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download Excerpt from Bookfunnel” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#43b529″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”||16px” custom_padding=”18px|40px|18px|40px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_text=”Or Scroll Down for the Latest Episode” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_bg_color=”rgba(49,209,144,0)” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”16px||16px||true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset4″ box_shadow_horizontal=”0px” 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admin_label=”Brands” _builder_version=”3.22.7″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_center” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-100px” transform_translate_tablet=”0px|0px” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|tablet” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width=”1280px” custom_padding=”0px|16%||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||” custom_padding_phone=”” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding_tablet=”0vw|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About” _builder_version=”3.22.7″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/author-icon-09-4.png” _builder_version=”3.23″ max_width=”400px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”right” animation_direction=”bottom” always_center_on_mobile=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Montserrat|800||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”60px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” max_width=”400px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”right” header_2_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Several years ago, I had this (admittedly unoriginal) idea about an alien race somehow knowing that an asteroid was heading towards Earth, and then wondering what they might plan to do about it. When I found the above book cover, I snatched it up because it further helped me envision where the story could go.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0Then I got wrapped up in Predator Planet and put my little story on hold. I already had scenes and my MFC, her deserted gas station-turned apartment, her crappy car, and her kind of boring job—if you consider the search for extraterrestrial life boring.<\/p>\n Once Book 5, Hidden in Predator Planet, was put to bed and I decided that the Predator Planet Universe could and should expand, I dusted off Schema and realized if I tweaked a couple details, it could work very well as an Origin Story … just not the beginning of a character, but a company.<\/p>\n The only problem I saw ahead was just how vast the story could be and how long it might take to let all of the variables unfold. But then serials started to gain in popularity, and I realized Schema could very well be ideally suited for this kind of arrangement. I hope you have fun delving into the possibilities with me on this one!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” text_orientation=”justified” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”1.8em” text_line_height_phone=”1.7em” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Depositphotos_564367884_S.jpg” title_text=”Depositphotos_564367884_S” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text quote_border_weight=”0px” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” quote_font=”|700|on||||||” quote_text_align=”right” quote_text_color=”#31d190″ quote_font_size=”24px” custom_margin=”-24px|-30px|60px|||” custom_padding=”|30px||” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”1.8em” text_line_height_phone=”1.7em” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” border_color_all=”#000000″ border_width_right=”8px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n “<\/span>Ms. Holt has not built a world. It would be better to say she has built a universe.<\/span><\/p>\n I truly hope that she continues to expand the universe she has created and I look forward to seeing all of these characters and many more in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n IGMC is still out there.”<\/span><\/p>\n Excerpt from a Reader’s Review of Book 5 on Amazon.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” admin_label=”What’s Inside” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Schema-Cover-Small-File.jpg” alt=”muscled man on starry background looks at alien technology” title_text=”Schema Cover Small File” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/author-icon-01-4.png” _builder_version=”3.23″ animation_direction=”bottom” always_center_on_mobile=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Montserrat|800||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”60px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”right” header_2_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.06)” divider_weight=”3px” _builder_version=”3.22.7″ transform_translate=”10vw|0px” transform_translate_linked=”off” custom_margin=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner type=”1_2″ saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Reluctant Heroine” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”^||divi||400″ icon_color=”#0B2826″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”32px” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ header_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_font=”|700|||||||” body_line_height=”1.5em” animation=”off” icon_font_size=”32px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Slow Burn M\/F Romance” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”^||divi||400″ icon_color=”#0B2826″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”32px” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ header_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_font=”|700|||||||” body_line_height=”1.5em” animation=”off” icon_font_size=”32px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Human-like Alien Man” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”^||divi||400″ icon_color=”#0B2826″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”32px” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ header_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_font=”|700|||||||” body_line_height=”1.5em” animation=”off” icon_font_size=”32px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=”1_2″ saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ 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icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”32px” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ header_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.4em” body_font=”|700|||||||” body_line_height=”1.5em” animation=”off” icon_font_size=”32px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” admin_label=”Preview” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ background_color=”#43b726″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”-8px|0px” transform_translate_tablet=”0px|0px” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|-47px||||” custom_padding=”0px||80px|||” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” border_color_all=”#000000″ border_width_right=”6vw” border_color_right=”#ffffff” box_shadow_style=”preset4″ box_shadow_vertical=”0px” box_shadow_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_4_font=”Montserrat|800|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#000000″ header_4_font_size=”40px” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” background_color=”#ffffff” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_end=”#f2f2f2″ background_color_gradient_start_position=”45%” module_alignment=”right” max_height=”800px” overflow-y=”scroll” custom_margin=”-22vw|||-6vw||” custom_margin_tablet=”-5vw|||0vw” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”80px|50px|80px|50px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”20px|10px|20px|10px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”off|desktop” header_4_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_4_font_size_phone=”20px” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” border_width_all=”3vw” border_color_all=”#f2f2f2″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_vertical=”80px” box_shadow_blur=”80px” box_shadow_spread=”-30px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For the sixtieth time in the last hour, I asked myself what I was doing. I\u2019d parked and sat in my car for fifteen minutes and picked my cuticles, distracting myself from racing thoughts. But I was nothing if not punctual, so I exited my car, cussed and reached across the front seat to the red cap on the passenger seat, and jammed it on my head. Locked the doors and blew out a cleansing breath.<\/p>\n Something brushed my leg, and I yelped and jumped; a huge alley cat darted a few feet from me then turned and looked at me with its semi-glowing eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cScared me to death,\u201d I muttered and crossed the parking lot, glancing in the cars to see if any of them had a guy waiting, but they were empty. The streetlights cast long shadows crisscrossing the lot and the sidewalk.<\/p>\n The door jingled when I opened it to the smell of vanilla and caramel, and I relaxed to see the place partially filled with customers of all kinds. A hostess greeted me and told me to choose my table; I picked the booth in the back corner and told her I was waiting for someone.<\/p>\n After a minute, a waitress arrived and brought ice waters and two menus.<\/p>\n Smiling at the selections, I relaxed deeper into the vinyl. Even if Walker didn\u2019t show up, I\u2019d still get pie. I was debating over the slice of the day or the pie-share options when I sensed a presence. Lowering the menu, I saw that no one was there. Scrutinizing the other patrons, I tried to see if any of them were paying attention to me, but they were all occupied with their table companions.<\/p>\n A second later, the bell above the door jingled, and an imposing figure stepped in wearing a long black coat, black pants and boots, and sunglasses. The man had white skin, short cropped dark hair, a square jaw and thin lips, and he looked a little weather-beaten from what I could see. When he caught me staring at him, his face broke into a smile, and I caught my breath at his perfect white teeth.<\/p>\n I offered a tentative smile in return and stood, not wanting to have him stare down at me when he approached. But that still happened. He was tall.<\/p>\n Offering his hand, he spoke first. \u201cPie girl?\u201d he said, his voice quiet.<\/p>\n \u201cWalker?\u201d I replied and shook his hand; mine was swallowed in his warm grip but he released it quickly and sat in the booth.<\/p>\n Resuming my seat, I slid the extra menu closer to him. \u201cI hope you like pie,\u201d I said and immediately felt stupid.<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t go wrong with pastry,\u201d he said with another broad smile and turned his attention to the menu.<\/p>\n Relieved that he seemed normal other than wearing sunglasses at night, I perused the choices again and bit my lip. There were no wrong choices; it was pie. But the heaviness of recent revelations made this outing seem less than inconsequential.<\/p>\n The waitress interrupted my thoughts, but Walker spoke first.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have the pie flight, and if you could bring us a pot of dark roast?\u201d<\/p>\n Normally I\u2019d be offended at a man making decisions for me, but it seemed like he\u2019d intuited my spiraling state, and a rush of gratitude overwhelmed me. The waitress nodded and took our menus, and when she was out of earshot, he spoke again.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look \u2026 fraught,\u201d he said and clasped his hands together.<\/p>\n I grabbed the sheaf of papers I\u2019d brought in my satchel and shoved them towards him. \u201cRead the top couple ones first. The rest are in order except for the one with the parabola on it,\u201d I said. \u201cI put that one next to a colleague\u2019s email for comparison. You can tell because the paper is different.\u201d<\/p>\n Walker\u2019s mouth turned down, but he took the papers and studied them, turning them over one by one, pausing over each and scanning them, though I couldn\u2019t see his eyes. I was itching to ask him to remove his glasses, but maybe he had a migraine. I didn\u2019t know how much time passed. He seemed to be taking it all in, and the sounds of the caf\u00e9 around me dimmed to a low hum. I studied what features I could see, the line of his jaw, the tendons in his neck, faint stubble on his cheeks and chin, the tops of dark eyebrows. Small crinkles snaked out from behind his lenses suggesting smile lines and possibly a few years ahead of me in age. His military haircut and entirely black outfit suggested something far more sinister than a few smile lines, however. Had I made a fatal error? Was he from an agency meant to take out people like me? People who stumbled upon the wrong information at the wrong time? My throat dried up, and I sipped from the ice water flanking my coffee cup.<\/p>\n Wiping clammy hands on my jeans, I recalled the exit sign behind me where the hall led to restrooms, an employee door, and the exit. If I had to leave in a hurry \u2026. Dammit; I was not cut out for this kind of shit. I prayed I hadn\u2019t misjudged him, but I was the dummy who created a character reference out of a few direct messages.<\/p>\n He placed the page with the parabola next to Mace\u2019s email with the same geometry and the equations on the table in front of him and patted the stack of papers he\u2019d otherwise organized.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you told your coworker, and they confirmed the math from this other source?\u201d he said and rested his big hands on both sheets.<\/p>\n I hadn\u2019t told him anything at all; how did he know it was a coworker? But then I remembered all the standard SEARCH content at the beginning and ending of our internal emails.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t told anyone anything,\u201d I said. \u201cI have no idea who the source is,\u201d I said and pointed to the stack of papers. \u201cMy coworker came up with this equation after the asteroid experts downplayed the seriousness of TDL-32. When I realized his math corroborated the mysterious source, I did a little bit more research.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSuch as?\u201d he said. He exuded peacefulness and calm, and I soaked it up. I\u2019d been a ball of nerves for days. Maybe he was safe. I needed <\/em>him to be safe.<\/p>\n \u201cAll of the icosahedral viruses,\u201d I said. \u201cSuddenly, they\u2019re no longer a concern. Not anywhere on Earth.\u201d<\/p>\n He dipped his head but said nothing.<\/p>\n Did he not believe me? Did he think I was a quack? Was he debating when to kill me execution-style?<\/p>\n Reaching across the table, I gathered up the papers and tried to organize my thoughts. The waitress arrived with our order, and I put the stack back in my satchel. She poured coffee and left the pot.<\/p>\n \u201cYou appear flushed,\u201d Walker said. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n I clenched my trembling fingers under the table and closed my eyes for a second, trying to find that calm energy I\u2019d felt a minute ago.<\/p>\n When I opened my eyes, Walker was choosing the slender slice of key lime with a steady hand. Nostrils flaring, I breathed deep and grabbed my fork, sliding the apple caramel crumble piece onto my plate.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be honest, I\u2019m not okay,\u201d I said. Saying the words eased some of my nerves, and I shook my head. \u201cBut God if pie isn\u2019t the right decision right now.\u201d<\/p>\n Walker chuckled. \u201cIt\u2019s a fine choice.\u201d<\/p>\n After a few bites and a slug of coffee, I put my fork down and looked across the table.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would help if I could see your eyes,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n He frowned but nodded and removed his glasses, then looked at me.<\/p>\n His eyes were an astonishing hazel, with flecks of blue, gold, gray and green, and I stared longer than I should have before realizing I needed to look away. When I composed myself, I noticed a smile playing at his lips, but he said nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess it doesn\u2019t matter if you believe me or not,\u201d I said and ran my finger around the edge of my pie plate. \u201cBut I couldn\u2019t keep all of this to myself anymore, and you seemed like the one person who might actually care.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRuby\u2019s your name?\u201d he said, and when I shot him a questioning look, he gestured at my satchel. \u201cThe email said, \u201cRuby, here\u2019s Mace\u2019s work you requested.\u201d,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n I nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe you, Ruby,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd you\u2019re right. I do care.\u201d<\/p>\n Exhaling, I sat back. \u201cWhat do I do now? I\u2019m sitting on the news of the century. Going public will probably cause rioting in the streets. Civil unrest. Revolutions. Alternatively, my own government could quash the evidence and end my career with a simple smear campaign. Or worse.\u201d I showed my palms. \u201cHowever, doing nothing, while really attractive at this point, means billions and billions will die. Doing \u201csomething\u201d still means billions will die.\u201d<\/p>\n Walker handed me a napkin, and I realized I had tears running down my face. I wiped my cheeks and nose, peeking at the other patrons but no one was looking at us, thank God.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe I just did this in front of an internet stranger,\u201d I said and shook my head. The urge to hide my face was strong, but it was too late. Walker and his amazing eyes had already seen the breakdown. And he hadn\u2019t run from the shop screaming. He\u2019d just handed me a napkin and then took a sly bite of his pie.<\/p>\n I gave him a half smile and picked up my fork again. \u201cIt\u2019s good pie. I definitely have room for the chocolate silk next.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou asked the wrong question,\u201d he said after we\u2019d each eaten a few more bites and sipped coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d I said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe right question is, \u201cWhat do we <\/em>do now?\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2014\u201d He stopped himself and glanced off to the side. \u201cThat information is too substantial. It crosses international divides, multiple classes of people, touches aspects of human life from beginning to end. No single person could ever address everything. I doubt it was intended for one person.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know all of those governments must have received it because of the virus cures across the globe,\u201d I said. \u201cBut no one has said<\/em> anything. The media turned TDL-32 into a nothing burger, and you know the governments wanted it that way.\u201d The more I spoke, the more little details fell into place. \u201cNot only that, but all those governments must know the other <\/em>nations have access to the same information. Did they have secret meetings and decide together not to tell the general public? Is it possible that a bunch of nation-states actually came to a consensus? How typical that the consensus they came to was to obscure the truth from the people of Earth.\u201d I shoved my plate away and folded my arms, slouching back in the booth and looking glumly at Walker. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t intended for one person. It was intended for Earth governments, and it was intended that they would work together to save as much of humanity as possible. Somehow,\u201d I said and leaned forward, resting my arms on the table\u2014”when Earth governments didn\u2019t do what was expected, I ended up with this information. The least qualified person on the planet. So yeah, I\u2019d love your help, but excuse me if I don\u2019t think two internet geeks are quite up to par.\u201d<\/p>\n Walker had sat back and folded his arms, mirroring me.<\/p>\n \u201cFinished?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n I sighed and looked at the remaining skinny slices of pie. \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you have any questions for me?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Dropping my twisted napkin onto my plate, I cocked my head and looked at him. I reviewed the evening\u2019s conversation and realized I\u2019d done most of the talking. Scanning the email, he\u2019d already seen my name and my employer. He probably deduced what industry I worked in, and he knew my first name.<\/p>\n I knew nothing about him.<\/p>\n Chagrined at yet another example of my reckless naivete at meeting an internet stranger and then not even attempting to vet him, I grabbed my ice water and took another drink.<\/p>\n \u201cIs your name actually Walker?\u201d I said.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n When he didn\u2019t offer his name, I frowned but went after my next question. \u201cWhere do you work?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn a technical laboratory,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Confused, I bit my lip and studied his beautiful eyes again. He\u2019d invited me to ask questions but then gave me evasive answers. Maybe\u2014maybe I wasn\u2019t asking the right ones, like he\u2019d said before.<\/p>\n I gasped. \u201cDid you get the same information?\u201d<\/p>\n He paused but then shook his head. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDammit, Walker, if there\u2019s something you want to tell me, just out with it!\u201d I said.<\/p>\n He winced. \u201cI can\u2019t. But you can ask me questions.\u201d<\/p>\n I growled in frustration and shook my head. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to ask. What\u2019s your actual name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJsevn,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh? Jay Seven?\u201d I said.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, blend the sounds together. Jsevn,\u201d he repeated.<\/p>\n I tried it again, and he smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that, uh, Norwegian?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n I cleared my throat. \u201cOkay, wait. Where are you from?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKyell,\u201d he said with that broad smile.<\/p>\n My mind raced over what minimal geography I remembered from school, but I was drawing blanks. \u201cWhere is that?\u201d I said.<\/p>\n \u201cAbout four lightyears away,\u201d he said with a wistful sigh and looked at me with those amazing eyes. Amazing, unearthly eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat language is Jsevn from?\u201d I said, sounding calm though my heart raced.<\/p>\n \u201cShinterran,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis can\u2019t be real,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n The waitress approached our table.<\/p>\n \u201cOne check, please,\u201d Walker\u2014Jsevn\u2014said. We stared at each other until she brought the check. He glanced at it and pulled out a decidedly human wallet and placed human money on the tray and told the waitress to keep the change in his human accent and then put the remaining slices of pie in the little container provided for leftovers, and it was all very human and normal. For someone named Jsevn from Kyell who possibly spoke Shinterran.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you\u2014wait.\u201d I was getting the hang of these questions. I couldn\u2019t ask ones that could be answered with a simple yes or no. \u201cWho sent these plans?\u201d I said and held the satchel in my lap.<\/p>\n \u201cMy colleague Dem,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you already knew all of this,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen why did you want to meet?\u201d I asked in exasperation.<\/p>\n \u201cThank Christ,\u201d he said, blowing out a great breath and leaning forward. He grasped my bicep with a quick squeeze. \u201cYou finally asked the right question.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”80px|||40px||” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px” custom_padding_phone=”” border_color_all=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” border_width_left=”4px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner type=”1_2″ saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_number_counter number=”1″ percent_sign=”off” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ title_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font_size=”16px” title_line_height=”1.5em” number_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” number_text_align=”left” number_text_color=”#ffffff” number_font_size=”60px” number_line_height=”1.8em” text_orientation=”left” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”||” number_font_size_tablet=”40px” number_font_size_phone=”30px” number_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” number_line_height_tablet=”3em” number_line_height_phone=”4em” number_line_height_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_number_counter][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=”1_2″ saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_number_counter percent_sign=”off” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ title_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_font_size=”16px” title_line_height=”1.5em” number_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” number_text_align=”left” number_text_color=”#ffffff” number_font_size=”60px” number_line_height=”1.8em” text_orientation=”left” background_layout=”dark” number_font_size_tablet=”40px” number_font_size_phone=”30px” number_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” number_line_height_tablet=”3em” number_line_height_phone=”4em” number_line_height_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_number_counter][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||40px” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||true” custom_padding_phone=”” border_color_all=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” border_width_left=”4px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” text_orientation=”justified” background_layout=”dark” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_line_height_tablet=”1.8em” text_line_height_phone=”1.7em” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ruby and Jsevn race against the galaxy in this first contact saga of love, loss, danger, and humanity in a world driven to the brink by chaos.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Testimonials” _builder_version=”3.22.7″ custom_padding=”0px||100px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_color=”#000000″ width_tablet=”94%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”780px” module_alignment=”left” custom_padding=”70px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/author-icon-12.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.23″ width=”50px” animation_direction=”bottom” always_center_on_mobile=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_slider _builder_version=”4.14.2″ header_level=”h4″ header_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_font_size=”26px” header_line_height=”1.6em” body_font=”|700|||||||” body_text_color=”#31d190″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”0px||” header_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_font_size_phone=”18px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide heading=”I guess it’s the indepth study of each of them that makes this book different. You can’t help but feel their self worth and introspection as you read on. You’ll feel you know them as friends by the end. Definitely a re-read story.” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Amazon Review<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”This is the third of the series and I’m already impatiently waiting for number four.” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Amazon Review<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”So completely worth the wait. I enjoyed every minute of it. Love our Hispanic heroine and how it wasn’t love at first sight. I love how it was a slow build of trust over time and how she proved to herself she was King of the Hill and didn’t have to be rescued. I liked how she actually liked being on Certain Death and wanted to learn more and more about it. I truly can’t wait for Book 4 we didn’t even get a glimpse at the heroine so I’m excited to see who we get.” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Amazon Review<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/amzn.to\/3XlK4e6″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Buy the Audio Book Today!” button_alignment=”right” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#0D323C” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”#A79064″ button_border_radius=”7px” button_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”||-67px” custom_padding=”20px|40px|20px|40px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover=”#00ce05″ button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About” _builder_version=”3.22.7″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/author-icon-06-4.png” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ animation_direction=”bottom” always_center_on_mobile=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Montserrat|800||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”60px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”right” header_2_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/AuthorVicky.jpg” title_text=”AuthorVicky” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ max_width_tablet=”200px” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” animation_direction=”bottom” border_radii=”on|300px|300px|300px|300px” always_center_on_mobile=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”84px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”0px|||” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” text_orientation=”justified” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”1.8em” text_line_height_phone=”1.7em” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ms. Holt has found adventure, solace, escape, and understanding between the pages of books for as long as she can remember, first as a reader, then as an author.<\/p>\n When she’s not frowning at her laptop, she can be found on the shores of Lake Michigan or behind the wheel shuttling kids places or out back making a fire in the fire pit. And more often than not, sharing inappropriate memes on Facebook.<\/p>\n In spite of her love for irreverent humor, she still manages to weave a lot of heart into her novels. Here’s something Esra said in Book 2, Tracked on Predator Planet:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”1.8em” text_line_height_phone=”1.7em” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cIt kept showing me things about myself,\u201d she said. \u201cThe planet and its occupants peeled away layers of my soul. It was uncomfortable. It hurt. But in the end, it revealed my true self.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” text_orientation=”justified” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”1.8em” text_line_height_phone=”1.7em” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Same, girl. Same.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.2″ text_font=”Sacramento||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”72px” text_line_height=”1.2em” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”40px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_line_height_tablet=”1.8em” text_line_height_phone=”1.7em” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Vicky L. Holt<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.14.2″ border_radii=”on|61px|61px|61px|61px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ background_color=”#A79064″ background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”|8px||8px||true” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ background_color=”#A79064″ background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”|8px||8px||true” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”youtube” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ background_color=”#A79064″ background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”|8px||8px||true” 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button_text_color=”#31d190″ button_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” button_border_width=”2px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”14px|40px|14px|40px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover=”#000000″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#31d190″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6″ _builder_version=”3.25″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Book 1″ image=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Hunted-Gold-Type-Smaller-File.jpg” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ header_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.5em” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”300px” module_alignment=”center” 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url=”https:\/\/amzn.to\/3AWjVv0″ image=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Into-the-Ikfal-Gold-Type-Smaller-File.jpg” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.5em” box_shadow_style_image=”preset3″ box_shadow_vertical_image=”20px” box_shadow_blur_image=”40px” box_shadow_spread_image=”-10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Book 4″ url=”https:\/\/amzn.to\/3z8qWby” image=”https:\/\/lovevickyholt.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Trapped-Gold-Type-Smaller-Size.jpg” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”1.5em” box_shadow_style_image=”preset3″ 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module_alignment=”right” text_font_size_tablet=”16px” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height_tablet=”1.8em” text_line_height_phone=”1.7em” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As a special gift of appreciation for my subscribers, I’m writing this novella that takes place in the same universe as Predator Planet, though its characters, setting, and events are far removed from the actual Predator Planet. A standalone alien romance, it has heart, spice, and a guaranteed HEA.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”#Newsletter-Sign-Up” button_text=”Sign Up for My Newsletter and Grab Your Free Book! Snatch and grab judgment-free zone; don’t feel bad if all you want is the book! 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_builder_version=”3.22.7″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” _builder_version=”3.22.7″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”youtube” _builder_version=”3.22.7″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]youtube[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][\/et_pb_social_media_follow][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" saturday morning serial If you’re looking for the IGMC Origin Story that is the genesis of the Predator Planet series, you came to the right place! I used to love looking at the stars at night. And then I found out one of them was trying to kill us. Working the late shift at one […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"\nAbout The Series<\/h2>\n
\n
What\u2019s coming<\/h2>\n
December 22, 2040<\/em><\/h1>\n
About the author.<\/h2>\n
Other books<\/h2>\n
Exclusive for Newsletter Subscribers!<\/h3>\n
Available Now!<\/h2>\n
Entering your email will subscribe you to my newsletter to get access to audiobook promo codes, sneak peeks, excerpts, science trivia, and the exclusive Predator Planet novella, Stranded on Mining Planet.\u00a0<\/h3>\n