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Dale
Brown's latest book Starfire is a thriller that combines
technology with military strategies. The technology definitely
takes over the plot and is a character in itself. He explores
the issues of militarizing space that will start an arms race
and how space can be used for industrial purposes.
Since this plot is heavy on science and technology readers
will be presented with many realistic advances of space exploration.
"Starfire" is the invention of Bradley McLanahan
and his team of engineers. They hope it will become the world's
first orbiting solar power plant to deliver unlimited and
inexpensive electricity anywhere on planet Earth, to the moon,
and even to spacecraft and asteroids. It's a crucial first
step in the exploration of the solar system, and Bradley and
his team are on the cutting edge. There is also CID, a robotic
suit a la Darth Vader, which is able to keep a character alive
and self-sufficient. In addition the story includes space
weapons and vehicles that will result in a new "space
cold war."
The theme of the book involves a new "Space Cold War"
where Brown wants to show the importance of space domination.
The plot shows the need for the US to maintain its super power
status by aggressively accessing space. Readers are able to
gain insight on the dangers the US is facing by downsizing
and basically eliminating the space program. Currently the
only way the US can get into space is through its dependency
on Russia: American Astronauts must hitch a ride. A great
analogy in the book compares the WWII Pacific Seas battlefield
to the next battlefield of space.
One of the most interesting issues explored in the book is
having his President Kenneth Phoenix travel into space, essentially
becoming an astronaut. The book shows the two points of view.
Those who think it is cool to have a US President travel into
space and respect his extraordinary courage. This is contrasted
with those who think it is a stupid and reckless move done
only for grandstanding purposes. The author saw it as a necessary
step to drive home the point that having a space program is
important for America's national security. In the book, Brown
compares it to a sitting President who took "the first
ocean-liner voyage, or the first ride in a locomotive, or
a car, or an airplane. We've been flying in space for decades…"
His next book will also involve robotic machines that can
be used as flying machines. He gave a heads-up to exploring
the issue of unmanned aircraft and how the human element will
eventually be taken out of war. Questions he hopes his readers
will ask: will using robots increase the risk of going to
war? And should these weapons be banned since they will become
so deadly, accurate and unfeeling?
He gave his email address (dale@airbattleforce.com,
www.AirBattleForce.com.)
because he wants readers to let him know what they thought
of the plot and the characters in Starfire. He hopes
to hear from them regarding the technology presented in this
book. What readers will definitely be able to tell him is
he presents a very good point for renewing the space program.
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