Star Alliance - A Novel in the Making

Star Alliance is a story about a young boy named Tarl - a child genius, who is accepted into the the worlds first Space Academy.

Without giving too much away by having it posted here (as you don't want the story spoiled),  there is a complete Overview of each major event that happens throughout the life of Tarl, from the young boy receiving his training at the academy, through to becoming a commander and leader of the Star Alliance.

This story will be written over a trilogy of books. Part one (which is currently being written), will be called: Star Alliance - The Academy.

This is a Sci-Fi Adventure with bonds of friendship, epic space battles, a decade long Ground war and a lifetime of difficulties and struggles as Tarl faces a brutal and relentless enemy, watches as others around him are lost while against all odds gaining the loyalty and strength of others to take you beyond a simple story and into the realm of Star Alliance.

More about the Author:

My name is Stephen Johnson.  I am a 31 year old Imports Manager working for a Wholesaler in Australia.  As a child I was told bedtime stories by my father that would ignite my imagination.  He would often just make these stories up on the spot and literally, anything could happen. I can confidently say that it is because of him that I have such a desire to imagine so many stories of my own.

I have written a few shorter stories here and there, non of which I have taken too seriously and none of which have been published, just had to get them out of me, however, Star Alliance has been in the making for many years.

As I would lay in bed at night, epic battles would take place in my mind and over time, an entire universe was created and the story of Tarl began to form. I really want to share this with those who are interested but I am finding it difficult to get it all out. After all I am not a very good writer and in fact, I was pretty much a D student at English.

While my English or flow of story writing may not suit many people, I have written the way I would like to read something... sometimes very simple and sometimes a little strange. Of course, as the story progresses, it will need to be edited, and maybe even re-written but for now, I'll just type in my own style until that time comes.

I hope to be able to use this blog to encourage myself to complete this adventure and be able to share it with others out there.  I will hopefully post progress updates on the story as time goes by to be able to keep those of you who have an interest, up to date.

If I can't find a publisher, I will have this fully edited, and printed even if it means I have to get this done myself through various "Pay to Print" publishers.

As a first Progress update. I have currently written the first 12 Chapters which comprise of 30,000 words. I have a full list of things that happen throughout the story and am using this as a guideline to follow the complete storyline.

For now, I am just going to keep writing.  I know I often get distracted and time can get away from me but I hope to write at least a little something every week (or more), to get this story finished.  Hopefully I can finish this sooner rather then later.

Wish me Luck!

Star Alliance - The First 2 Chapters

Below I have copied and pasted the first 2 chapters of Star Alliance - The Academy. Please be aware that this is raw, unedited writing. I have had no editing or input on these and therefore you may find the story to be poorly written. I do appologise as I don't really know how to write professionally.  I am just an amiture but am willing to have my work out there for comments and feedback:

Chapter 1

Tarl Calrossie was like any other child his age. He would play like a four year old, talk like a four year old and even ride his bike like a four year old.  To his parents, he was just an ordinary child. Tarl however, knew there was nothing ordinary about him.  In fact, he knew he was not like any other child.

When Tarl was two and a half he taught himself to read. By three he had grasped 6^th grade mathematics and by his 4^th birthday, he began to learn about theology. Growing in knowledge came as easy to Tarl as walking and talking came to everybody else.  Tarl knew he was not an ordinary child and because of his unique gifts, he had a different perspective on life.  He was worried that if people began to find out he was special, his and his parent’s lives would never be normal.  He feared people being afraid of him or treating him differently, so because of this he decided early on to keep his ability to himself, hidden from everyone he knew or cared for and acted like a normal child whenever people where around.  Nevertheless, in his private time Tarl would poor through pages of books, study all types of subjects and loved watching documentaries on television.  It wasn’t until his 5^th birthday, his parents finally found out about his special ability.

A week earlier, his parents took him shopping to find out what he might like as a present.  Most children turning five would have wanted a toy car or a toy gun, or any toy for that matter but Tarl was more interested in finding something he could learn.  He had almost gone through the entire small collection of books his parents had collected over the years and he wanted to pick something that would continue to excite his imagination.  The local bookstore was the perfect place for him to find what he wanted so when they arrived at the shopping centre, he eagerly jumped out of the car and began to head towards the entrance.  It took his parents only moments to catch up to him and as they entered the shopping centre, Tarl stopped in amazement.

Only weeks earlier, management had begun to install new holo-projector televisions throughout the entire complex.  Instead of your usual flat panel TV, images where now projected into thin air. As the restraints of flat screens where no longer an issue, floating 3D objects where hovering right above Tarl’s head advertising the latest in digital imagery.  He knew he wouldn’t be able to touch them, but he stretched out his hand anyway.  The image passed through his arm as if there was nothing there.  He couldn’t feel anything, not even the slightest warmth from the lasers could be detected. He looked around to see where the image was being projected from and his eyes came to a small black oblong box, about the size of an index finger, attached to the roof above where the advertisement was floating. The thought crossed his mind of how something so small could produce something so mesmerizing.  He had read about these new televisions in a few local catalogues and seen them advertised now and then on their family flat screen but this was the first time he actually got to see one in real life. The image was sharp and even though there was video footage being played, it was impossible to detect any ghosting or faults in the display.  As much as he would like to get one of these televisions, he knew it would be a very long time before his parents could even afford one.  Something like this was only for the very rich or the early adopters of new technology.  It would be some time before they would come down to the average consumer price point but even then his parents may not have been able to purchase one.

Unfortunately for Tarl, he had been born into a relatively poor family. His parents had only been married for 3 months when his mother fell pregnant and at the same time, his fathers business went into liquidation through no fault of his own. As a result, they almost lost everything and had to move to the far outskirts of a small town in order to keep up with the high cost of rent and living expenses.  They got by with the basic necessities of life and from time to time would be able to afford a luxury item but nothing too expensive.  At least they never let their financial troubles get them down or control their lives.

Tarl stood mesmerized for a few short minutes before his parents ushered him to step to the side of the entrance to allow a small group of shoppers to pass by.  The group shuffled through the advertisement huddled together and moved as though they had a single purpose, soon passing around the corner and out-of-sight.  He didn’t mean to stare for so long but then Tarl very rarely made the trip to the shopping centre so his parents weren’t going to complain.  They continued to make their way through the shops, passing by several clothing stores and shoe stores, which his mother stopped at every single one, to window shop.  His parents where surprised to say the least, when Tarl didn’t enter the Toy’s R Us store which was situated right next to the store he was looking for.

The bookstore was on three separate levels and had a huge selection of books. Tarl thought every category known to man must have been available to choose from and it took quite some time to browse most of the way through the store. After browsing through several sections and not finding anything of remote interest, he spotted the Science and Discovery sign, indicating something Tarl thought he would be very interested in.  He made his was over and discovered hundreds of books on all sorts of topics of interest. It just so happened though, the first book Tarl picked up in that section, was the book he wanted for his birthday.  Tarl was none too delighted when he showed the book to his parents though.

“I don’t think that’s a suitable book for someone your age darling,” his mother said as he handed her the book. “Perhaps you would like something easier to read?”

One thing Tarl did enjoy doing was sitting up in bed at night, reading through a bedtime storybook with his mother.  Even though he had already mastered that simple task by himself, seeing the joy it brought her thinking she was helping him to read made it all the more enjoyable.  It was also because they would get to spend some time together which made it all worth it but sadly that wasn’t as often as Tarl would like.

As his father found it difficult to secure a job for more then a couple of weeks at a time due to contract work or the location in which they lived, his mother regularly worked overtime to make sure they could meet all the bills.  While Tarl appreciated the fact that she was doing this so they could keep living in the house they where in, he also missed out on so much time with her. Usually, he would have conceded to her wishes straight away but he became so interested in the topic of the book that he didn’t want to give up that easy.

“But I’d really like to read through this book though.” He said with emphasis.

“I know you would, but I’m not sure if it is affordable.” His mother turned the book and looked at the price on the back. “$45 is a tad expensive for a single book, isn’t there something else you might like?”

“O.K. Mum,” Tarl replied as she gave the book back to him and he returned it to its place.  The expression of sorrow which came across his face almost made her brake into tears but she didn’t let him see.

He searched through the rest of the store and in the end, settled on an old fairytale story which his mother often referred to when she talked to him about her mother reading bedtime stories to her when she was his age. His mother was pleasantly surprised when he handed her the book and had almost forgotten the sad expression Tarl had given earlier.  Once he had made up his mind, his parents purchased the book and then put it away only to be given to him on his birthday.

As they where leaving the bookstore, Tarl’s mother spotted one of her old friends, Mrs. Ferguson. She used to come over to Tarl’s house quite often with her son Tommy who was only three years older then Tarl but as Tommy had been accepted into the academy at the start of the year, he no longer lived with his parents.  Before Tommy left, both of them where the best of friends.  Even though Tarl was a boy Genius, Tommy wasn’t too far behind himself.  Usually the academy would not accept any child under the age of 9 but in Tommy’s case, they made an exception for an eight year old.  The academy was well known for its difficult entrance exams, strict age requirements, and not to mention the huge fees to be paid, but the academy offered Tommy a scholarship as the assessment proved Tommy to be an invaluable asset to them.  After all, it was boys like Tommy who would become commanders or generals of the academy’s star fleet.

Just before Tommy had moved into the academy, they both talked about the adventure Tommy was about to embark on.  This was the first time Tarl had heard anything about a star fleet, let alone a space academy and he was enthralled with the thought of one day joining the academy himself.  Tarl made a point of researching all he could about the academy and the star fleet but as he was limited with his resources and the academy was very secretive about its operations, he was only able to find out very little. In the end, the little that Tarl and Tommy talked about was enough to keep him amazed at the possibilities.

Once Mrs. Ferguson and Tarl’s mother had all caught up, they parted ways and the Calrossie family made their way back to their car and headed back home.

Chapter 2

The rest of the week passed by un-eventful and it soon came to the day of Tarl’s 5^th birthday.  His parents where already in the kitchen preparing breakfast when Tarl woke up so he got out of bed and made his was out to greet them.

“Good morning my birthday boy,” his mother said as she rushed over to give him a hug and a kiss.

“Good morning Mum, Good morning Dad.”  Tarl called out to his father who was busily cooking.

“Happy birthday son,” his father finally replied. “How does it feel to be six years old?” He asked jokingly.

Tarl knew he was only teasing but he responded anyway. “Dad, I’m only five.” His father gave a bit of a chuckle. “I’m famished. Shall we have breakfast?” His father almost burst out into laughter from Tarl using the word ‘famished’ and in the right sentence structure too.

They all sat around the table and enjoyed a family breakfast together.  Soon after they had finished eating and the table had been cleared Tarl’s father pulled out his birthday present they had bought for him earlier in the week.  Even though Tarl picked the present himself, his parents had gone through the trouble to wrap it anyway.  He took great care in un-wrapping his present, making sure not to rip the paper.  Once done, he thanked his parents for the book and asked to be excused from the table but his parents did not respond.  At first he thought that they must not have heard him but as he went to ask a second time, he looked at his parents.  They had huge smiles on their faces and where trying to hold back giggling. “Is everything alright?” Tarl asked with amusement as it wasn’t too often he saw his parents acting like children themselves.

“We weren’t going to get this for you but it was what you wanted.”  His mother pulled out a second present which was hidden away.  Tarl could hardly conceal his excitement. He knew what it was straight away and as his mother handed it over to him, he ripped through the wrapping paper to reveal the book he originally wanted. ‘Conquering the Heavens’ was the first book Tarl had the chance to read which was all about the depths and challenges of space travel, terra-forming, and colonization of other worlds.

“Oh Wow!” Tarl exclaimed as he ran over to his mother and gave her the biggest hug she had ever received.  “Thanks Mum. Thanks Dad.” He leaped from his mother towards his father trusting to be caught.  His father grabbed him and pulled him up and at the same time Tarl wrapped his arms around him.  His parents could hardly believe the thanks they where receiving.

Tarl wanted to go and read the book right away but his parents already had plans with him for the day so he was going to have to wait till bedtime to actually get engrossed into ‘Conquering the Heavens’.  All he could do, was think about that book and as each hour got closer to bedtime he got more excited.  He went on a family picnic, had a birthday party and even went swimming at the local swimming pools with his friends.  It was a great day but the best part for Tarl was still yet to come.

When it came time for bed, his mother tucked him in and sat down on the edge of the bed as she usually did.  She picked up the fairytale book which was given to Tarl first and began to read it to him.  Usually within the first five minutes Tarl would have fallen asleep but this time he was still wide awake when she finished.

“You’re not asleep?” His mother asked in surprise.

“No, I would like to read that other book you gave me.”

“Well I suppose it is still your birthday.  Would you like me to read it to you?”

“Nah thanks Mum.  I would like to go through it on my own if that’s alright with you?”

“Of course it is dear.” His mother got up from the edge of the bed and handed over ‘Conquering the Heavens’ to him. “I’ll be back in ten minutes to turn off the lights.”

“Thanks Mum.”

She began to walk out of the room and stopped at the door just before leaving. “Have fun reading.” She said to Tarl jokingly not realizing her five year old son could read as good as, if not better then she could.

            Tarl open the book as soon as she had left and began to read.  In just those few short moments he began to learn about space, and it fascinated him.  It was as if his imagination was ignited with the millions of stars in the sky and the endless possibilities of what the future could hold.  When his mother came back into the room and switched off the lights, he wanted to sneak over to turn them back on but he wasn’t about to go against his upbringing and break the rule of going to sleep when the lights where turned off.  Once he fell asleep, Tarl dreamt of nothing but space.

            In the morning, his mother poked her head into the room to check on her little boy.  To her surprise Tarl was already wide awake sitting up in bed reading ‘Conquering the Heavens’.  She kept quite and watched him being amazed as he turned through one page after another.  She stood there for quite some time before deciding to speak.  “Good morning Tarl,” She eventually said to him. “Are you enjoying your book?”

            “Yeah!” Tarl exclaimed, not even looking up from his book. “I didn’t realize we had already colonized other planets.”

            His mother was shocked.  It took her several seconds to recollect herself and answer back in disbelief.  “Where did you learn that?”

            Tarl suddenly looked up only realizing that he had just slipped up and let his mother find out he was able to read the more complicated books. He didn’t want to say that he read it in this book but then he also didn’t want to blatantly lie to his mother.  A short battle ensued in his mind as to which answer he should give until he finally came to the conclusion that the truth is best. “It explains it all in this book.”

            Again she stood there for several seconds before answering again.  “You mean to tell me you can read on your own?  How come you’ve never said anything?”

            “I don’t know.  I didn’t want anyone to know I could read I suppose.”

            “How long have you been able to?”

            “For as long as I can remember.”

            They both spoke for some time with his mother asking him many questions about what other things he could already do.  As much as he didn’t want to let out his secret, he was also relieved that his mother was so accepting of his ability.

            Tarl’s father was sitting in the lounge room reading the morning newspaper when they both came out to him.  “John, did you know Tarl can read?”

            “That’s great.”  His father responded as he looked up from his newspaper. “And you’ll only keep getting better the more you practice.”

            “No John,” his mother jumped in, “I mean he can read.”

            “What? What do you mean he can read?”

            “I mean he’s not learning to read.  He can already read just as good as you or I.” His mother said excitedly as his father turned to him.

            “So you think you can read can you son?”

            “Yes Dad, I do.” Tarl responded.

            His father got to his feet and walked over to them both.  “Here, read this.” His father handed Tarl the newspaper he was reading before sitting back down in his armchair.  Tarl picked a random article from the newspaper and began to read allowed to his parents.  He was able to pronounce every word with great ease and he even put expression into his reading.  Both his parents where amazed.  They could not believe what they where hearing from their five year-old son.  Once Tarl had finished, they began to find out all the other things Tarl was already able to do.  His father began testing him on different subjects trying to determine just how far Tarl had already developed.  For someone of just five years-old to have kept this a secret his whole life let his father know just how very gifted Tarl was indeed.

            After a long day of questioning, being tested in general knowledge, mathematics, reasoning and many other area’s of interest, Tarl was exhausted.  That day he found out just how tiring mental work can actually be.  As he was getting ready for bed he turned to his mother. “Mum, can you read me a bedtime story?”

            “Of course I can sweaty.” His mother replied as she tucked him in and sat down on the edge of the bed after picking up a book from his bedside table.  She began reading to him but within minutes he had fallen asleep.  She put the book away, leaned over to kiss him, then turned of the light and left the room.

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Well that's the first 2 chapters. Plenty of editing required I know. I have more chapters available if people are interested however I will not post too many more on here,  mainly because I want complete the story and publish the book.  Let me know if you are wanting to read more and I might post just a few more chapters.

Star Alliance Update

I've been wanting to write a particular part of this story for some time so I jumpt ahead a few chapters and started writing that portion of the story. Who says you have to write from start to finish...

This allowed me to encorporate a dream I had a couple of years ago.  I knew that dream was gonna get used one day in a story of mine.

Well as an update, I typed a further 2,000 words.  Hoping to get more done today for this section of the book before I'll go back and complete the chapters prior to this.