Hello everyone: After reading many of your posts, I feel quite comfortable here. I'd like to share my little book with you all. It's not published yet, but I do have a literary agent who's shopping it around. Here is the Prologue for your consideration. Critiques are welcome, please enjoy. HOMO ASTROS (Star Man) A Novel of Possibilities by Joseph Anthony Bonello Prologue “Mr. Goodfellow, are you insane?” Gabe smiled at Senator Maxine Wilton, New York. “I’ve heard that more than once or twice.” The mature, blonde woman leaned closer to her microphone at the subcommittee table. “Mr. Goodfellow, crippling energy crisis aside, this country is in the throes of the worst economic slow-down of the last one hundred years. Add to that, the crushing financial burden of the ongoing war on terror. And, with government social obligations stretched into deficit spending, do really expect us to write you a check for two trillion dollars finance your energy generating scheme?” “No, Mam. I intend to finance this program myself.” Everyone in the packed Senate audience chamber gasped. Senator Wilton’s jaw dropped. “Two trillion dollars?” “It would cost that much, probably even more, if the government tried to build solar-powered generating stations in orbit,” Gabe declared. “But, I’ll bet I can bring the first satellite online for under a trillion.” “Again, are you insane?” He shook his head. “Until now, I’ve kept Goodfellow Technologies wholly private, and my company’s gross value exceeds seven-hundred billion dollars. With an initial public offering, I believe I can raise enough capital to build the essential infrastructure and set up the lunar mining colony that would supply the necessary construction materials for the satellites.” “And the balance?” “I’d borrow it.” “From whom?” “Anyone with hope. Anyone with the courage to dream. Anyone who believes our destiny lies with the stars.” “Just like that?” She scoffed. Gabe smiled again. “Just like that. Listen, this energy crisis is a direct result of our addiction to imported oil. A stable, renewable energy-generating system is absolutely vital to our national security. I believe that space-based solar power can provide that security.” The senator rubbed her temples. “What then, do you want from me? The government?” “I want a commitment to streamline the approval process between all the federal and state bureaucracies so I can bring this project in on time—and on budget. I want to end these damned blackouts. I want to free the American people from their dependence on foreign oil. I want to take this country back into space.” “We’ll take all this into consideration,” Senator Wilton said. “Is there anything else?” “Just get the hell out of my way and I’ll build the satellites.” Gabe stood up. “You can stay at home and mind your social programs.”
