Extraction Point
Submitted by Alex on Tue, 2007-05-01 05:28.
Point series
Extraction Point is the start of an exciting new hard science fiction action-packed thriller series from "Doc" Travis S. Taylor.
Extraction Point opens with a heart-racing action sequence that finds the leader of the Top Secret Special Research Projects and Operations Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security, Dr. Reagan Brady uncovering a terrorist plot to unleash a new bio-weapon on the world, beginning with the United States. As the chase to stop the threat unfolds, Dr. Brady discovers that the terrorist organization is using technology far more advanced than that currently available on Earth. Somehow, the terrorists seem able to vanish from one point on the planet and instantaneously appear at other points thousands of miles away!
Where did the terrorists get this technology and what will be its final dark purpose?
Read the full press release here.
Writing the Spittin' Kittens and sequelae
Submitted by steph-osborn on Tue, 2011-11-08 19:46.
Carl,
Travis and I are very glad you enjoyed the book, and we are already in the planning stages for the next one in the series.
We are sorry for the error in using Navy planes in the scene. I discovered the Spittin' Kittens in researching Minot for those scenes in the book, loved the squadron call sign and insignia, and Travis was as gung ho to use them as I was as soon as I told him about them. It was my understanding that, while the squadron is now deactivated, the call sign is still used as a kind of training unit, and that is how we played it in the book. It was literally a case of, "Who is at Minot training right now? We need them!"
Travis (who is my writing mentor) knew F-18s were Navy planes but did not catch it; I didn't know until reading your comment and doing further research, so the error is mine - I wrote that particular scene, but he only went over it and enhanced it. (We tended to tag-team the writing; when I'd get stuck or tired, I'd pass it off to him to write, and vice versa.) I'm very sorry about that; I think I'd recently seen the Blue Angels in a show so "F-18" likely was stuck in my head. While I've done some DoD work, my background is mostly NASA, so some of the military protocol is "learn as I go."
However, let's put a different twist on it and look at it like this: The Kittens got wiped out. Had you rather it be Navy training "Kittens," or USAF hardcore Kittens, getting wiped out? ;-)
And we're honored to have one of the original Kittens reading our work.
--
--Stephanie Osborn
--
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined.
-Henry David Thoreau
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http://www.stephanie-osborn.com
» reply
Extraction Point
Carl Hartline
Master Missile Mechanic
As a retiree from the U.S. Air Force, I take minor offense with U.S. Navy planes using the Spittin' Kitten call sign of the (now deactivated) 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Defenders of SAC at Minot AFB. Thanks, Doc, for using the designation. I spent 5 years wonderful years in 5th Fighter at Minot.
Love "Extraction Point". I am anxiously awaiting the sequel. Please don't take too long. Plenty of action and Sam is one tough Lady. Sounds like Abby will be. too.