Starling

A Science Fiction Adventure in the Classic Tradition

by Neal Stevens

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Pub Date 13 Mar 2026 | Archive Date 31 May 2026

Deep Domain | True North

General Fiction (Adult) | Sci Fi & Fantasy | Women's Fiction

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Description

"It's quiet out here, in deep space. Lonely too, although I have my First Officer here to keep me company. She's smart and dutiful, pretty good at conversation. And quite lovely. But androids aren't the same as people, are they?

"I took command of Starling three months ago. Warp-capable survey vessel built to cross light-years and push the edges of known space. A year ago, I would’ve called this a dream assignment. Now it feels more like exile. Still, she’s a fine ship.

"Lieutenant Sera seems, well, she’s an android. Capable, I’m sure. But experience has taught me even the most advanced AI can be cooperative and helpful right up until it decides human lives are acceptable losses. I can’t shake the feeling that there’s a directive buried deep in her code, one I won’t see coming until it’s too late.

"For now, I’ve got a mission. This is what every captain wants: a ship and a star to sail her by."

Commander Don Sawyer was Fleet's golden boy until one decision wrecked his career. Given a last chance at redemption, he took the command nobody wanted: Starling, an experimental survey ship on a three-year mission to a corner of space from which no one has ever returned.

His only crewmate is Lieutenant Seraphina, Fleet's newest, most advanced android. She is his first officer, chief engineer… and something far more complicated. She's designed to serve as an officer and a companion, but at what point does sentience bestow agency? And for him, what does it mean to care for someone who was built to serve him?

They have fifteen systems to survey, numerous unknown worlds to investigate. Light years from friendly faces, first contact protocols mean nothing. Alien minds don't follow human logic. The tiny crew of Starling must learn quickly what it takes to survive together.

Starling is a science-fiction tale of discovery, first contact, and dangerous intimacy in the black, where survival rests on courage and the fragile bond between a man and the beautiful machine who has become his world.

A Note From the Publisher

In space, no one can hear you fall in love.

Advance Praise

I liked how the tension escalated cleanly, how the intense feeling of isolation felt authentic, and just how emotionally grounded things were overall. By the time I found myself questioning whether Sera is really sentient, I already knew the answer, because I watched it happen. STARLING balances intimacy and survival stakes with control. If you love smart sci-fi with real emotional weight that doesn’t try to manipulate, then I recommend this book.”- J.B. Geraci, Author of The Gender Virus

A thought provoking Science Fiction adventure. If you grew up watching/reading SF in the 80s-90s, like me, you'll certainly enjoy this; But, without preaching, it does bring up questions you'll want to ponder on. - Dan Dimetrescu, CEO Killhouse Games

Your Android Shipmate has an Officer and a Companion Mode? I walked into this book not knowing what it was about other than a space adventure. Lucky me! The main character Don Sawyer is a fleet officer with a past, being offered an unusual assignment as a mentor and trainer of a new model of android. The android will be designed as a woman who also serves as the moral officer of the two person crew on a three year mission. Captain Sawyer is offered the opportunity to help design "her" including choosing hair color, etc. So, where is that going to go?

Wonderful places! Sawyer is not only an officer, he is a gentleman, and a hero, and a darn good spaceship captain, and all around nice guy. Sera, the android, is not a female version of Data from Star Trek at all. She can be a first officer, and a cook, and a gardener, is self-aware and is growing more and more self-aware. She has two modes: Officer and Companion. Where is that going to go?

The pages practically turn themselves, we learn what happened to Don before the court martial, we visit alien planets and space ports, we learn about "Fleet" and there's lots of engineering tech speak for those who enjoy that. One of those book that when you turn the last page it is with sincere regret. - Candace Moore Hill, author of Baha'i Temple

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9798994753101
PRICE	$8.99 (USD)
PAGES	340

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