Writing like crazy.

Disclaimer:  This image is a wallpaper downloaded from the net.  It is meant for inspiration only, and will not be the image on the official cover.  But it does convey the sense of flying, doesn't it?  :-)

The Shooting Star:

Federi, the Solar Wind's dogsbody, wants his independence and freedom.  With Paean and a handful of youngsters he escapes the ship to commandeer his own "leaky old crate", a run-down old Unicate vessel he calls the "Shooting Star".  Battling high seas and the ship's structural damage, he seems quite set to meet his prior (and angry) Captain's challenge, with classic Federitic flair.  

But then the challenges to Earth herself begin:  Alien invasions, abductions and outright war, driven by an invisible agenda.  The "Prince of Earth", a title created in a joke, has to be everything he is and a few things he is not, to protect his crew, his ship and his home planet.  But he cannot be everywhere.  And if he fails, humankind can kiss their blue planet goodbye...

Excerpt:

“Federi,” the Captain restarted, “the challenge is off. I can’t have

Perdita on an unseaworthy vessel. You land here and we get your

crate tightened up and the leaks fixed and...”

Federi laughed. “The leaks are fixed. Bless Shawn and duct

tape!”

“This ship is held together with duct tape?” repeated Lascek,

horrified.