Captains of Oartheca: Book Three of the Oarthecan Star Saga

Who would have thought that being the first human male to set foot on Oartheca could ignite a firestorm? But for Captain Rowland Hale-former cyber-thief turned novice ambassador-problems are just the beginning. Tasked with bringing Oartheca under the Coalition of Allied Planetary Systems, Rowland must survive sabotage, political treachery, and enemies who would rather see him dead than succeed. His mission promises peace and prosperity. The truth promises anything but.

At his side-always, even in chains-stands Toar Grithrawrscion. Once a proud captain, now a disgraced drone, Toar has been arrested for violating the sacred Decree Against Human Contact. His crime? Loving a man he was never meant to love. His punishment could be exile... or worse.

As Rowland and Toar face court intrigue, ruthless barons, and the shadow of war with the Pryok'tel, their forbidden bond becomes both their greatest strength and their most dangerous vulnerability. Together, they must choose: loyalty to duty, or loyalty to each other.