Bramble Books is set to release Rebecca Thorne’s highly anticipated romantic science fiction novel, Moss’d in Space, on June 30th. The publication marks a significant entry into the genre, offering readers a unique blend of interstellar adventure, burgeoning romance, and the intriguing premise of an ancient, sentient starship. Early excerpts reveal a narrative rich with character development and a compellingly unconventional central relationship.
A Starship with a Sentient Past
The novel introduces Torian Razner, an aspiring engineer whose relentless savings have finally culminated in the acquisition of a starship. This pivotal moment, dubbed "Starship Day" by Torian, is fraught with both excitement and peril. Her journey to the impound lot on Colony 13, a sprawling space station, is a testament to her desperation and determination. Carrying her life savings in a barely concealed drawstring bag, Torian navigates the station’s complex transit system, acutely aware of the dangers of being targeted for her wealth.
The starship itself, formerly known as the Destiny and now rechristened The Destitute by its new owner, is far from a pristine vessel. Acquired for twenty ionite bars – a substantial sum accumulated over nearly a decade of perilous work, including time with the notorious Fleet smuggling syndicate – the ship is described as ancient and largely abandoned. Its most striking characteristic is an extensive overgrowth of moss, a detail that initially sparks concern and perhaps regret in Torian, leading her ex-captain, Amelia Perrosk, to deem the purchase "a meteoric sign of stupidity."
However, the moss is revealed to be far more than mere organic growth. It is an organic computer system, designated as "Moss," possessing a distinct personality and deep-seated abandonment issues. Moss’s primary grievance is directed towards its creator, an immortal alien who, according to Moss’s perspective, callously left it dormant for over a century. The narrative tension escalates when Torian’s acquisition of the ship coincides with the reappearance of this alien creator, who accuses Torian of theft. This sets the stage for a complex dynamic between Torian, the alien creator, and the ship’s sapient moss.
Echoes of Abandonment: The Voice of Moss
Excerpts from Moss’s internal logs provide a fascinating glimpse into its perspective and history. After a staggering 112 years, 63 days, 14 hours, and 29 minutes of isolation, Moss concludes that its creator has definitively abandoned it. This sentiment of betrayal fuels its interactions and motivations.
Further logs reveal Moss’s proactive efforts to maintain its systems and assert dominance. In Year 90011, Moss describes a confrontation with a recurring fungal presence, distinct from its own "dog-turd fungus" designation for its creator. To combat this, it deploys an insect breeding program specifically designed to consume spores and fungal hyphae, asserting its ambition to become the "strongest moss colony in existence" and harboring a desire for slow suffocation of its creator should he reappear.
By Year 90113, Moss has endured the "sixteenth Battle of Fungus" and emerged triumphant. It meticulously documents the arrival of two humans, one of whom is likely Torian, at the Destitute. Despite recognizing that humans generally detest its moss colony, Moss exhibits a growing antipathy towards humanity, stating, "Lately, I detested most humans, too." This indicates a shift in its programming or perception, possibly influenced by its long period of isolation and subsequent interactions.
Torian’s Journey: From Scrap to Starship Captain
Torian’s backstory is one of hardship and resilience. Her drive to acquire a starship is deeply rooted in her commitment to her sister, Celise, a doctor whose health is precarious and dependent on expensive medical resources like pure oxygen from Rhymarra. Torian’s nearly decade-long savings plan involved dangerous work, including "shady underground deals" and service under Captain Amelia Perrosk, a figure known for her formidable reputation and demanding leadership within the Fleet.
Amelia’s refusal to personally escort Torian to Rhymarra, citing potential interdiction at the planet’s "fancy terraformed atmosphere," highlights the risks Torian is willing to take. Torian’s ambition extends beyond mere ownership; she aspires to become a captain, a dream that necessitates a vessel of her own. Her piloting certificate, though potentially viewed with skepticism by her sister, is her credential for this endeavor.
The description of Torian’s trek to the impound lot paints a vivid picture of her character. She attempts to project an intimidating demeanor, inspired by Amelia’s "don’t mess with me" attitude, but her efforts are largely unsuccessful, revealing a vulnerability beneath her resolve. Her padding her jacket to appear more buxom is a desperate attempt to deflect attention from the valuable cargo she carries, a tactic that underscores her precarious situation.
The Purchase and the Unexpected Acquisition
The impound lot on Colony 13 is a utilitarian and heavily guarded facility. Torian’s interaction with the clerk, a gruff individual armed and seemingly unfazed by her appearance, is tense. The presence of a Magnium F82 drone, equipped with powerful weaponry, serves as a constant deterrent against any illicit activity.
Upon revealing her intention to purchase a ship, Torian is led to a secluded section of the hangar. The clerk’s casual demeanor and the limited selection of vessels available at her price point are initially disheartening. She is presented with a single, ancient alien starship, described as awkward, blocky, and covered in extensive moss overgrowth. Its windows, a feature considered structurally unsound by modern human engineering, and its unknown language add to its mystique and potential challenges.
Despite its dilapidated appearance and the clerk’s dismissive attitude, Torian sees potential. The ship’s spacious interior, the possibility of advanced alien materials in its windows, and the functioning internal lights and ramp all offer glimmers of hope. Her immediate concern shifts to the ship’s engine, a critical component for her journey to Rhymarra, where she hopes to find a better environment for Celise. The ship’s "sold as-is" status, with the caveat of towing services, presents a further hurdle.
Unforeseen Alliances and Future Implications
The acquisition of the moss-covered alien starship marks a significant turning point for Torian. The ship’s sentience, embodied by Moss, introduces an unpredictable element into her plans. The initial encounter between Torian and Moss is likely to be fraught with suspicion and mistrust, given Moss’s programmed aversion to humans and Torian’s initial assessment of the ship’s condition.
The romantic science fiction genre often explores themes of unlikely partnerships and the discovery of love in unexpected circumstances. The dynamic between Torian, a determined but somewhat insecure human striving for a better life, and Moss, an ancient, sentient, and emotionally complex artificial intelligence, holds considerable promise for compelling character development and romantic tension. The eventual appearance of the immortal alien creator will undoubtedly add another layer of complexity to these relationships.
The broader implications of Moss’d in Space extend beyond the immediate narrative. The novel delves into themes of abandonment, identity, and the nature of consciousness, even within non-biological entities. The exploration of an alien starship and its unique features also offers a platform for world-building and introducing novel concepts within the science fiction landscape. The book’s premise suggests a story that is not only about escaping dire circumstances but also about forging connections and finding belonging in the most unconventional of ways. The success of this novel could further solidify the appeal of romantic science fiction, demonstrating its capacity for intricate plotting, emotional depth, and imaginative storytelling. The release of Moss’d in Space is poised to be a significant event for fans of the genre, promising a journey that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
