Thoughtful Science Fiction

The Wroussara Trilogy - Volume 1 - Star Hopper -- is a science fiction novel that takes a classical approach to the genre. It focuses on individual character relationships, has detailed, logical scientific theory, and relies on technology as a means to an end -- rather than an end in itself.

The story is about an encounter between a human (in the character of Paul, the hero of the story) and a race of insectoid beings (called the Wroussara - pronounced: roo-SAW-rah). It is non-confrontational and non-violent. Because the novel is relationship focused, the encounter is much like new neighbors meeting and learning about each other and developing friendship.

This is why we say:

"Not all alien encounters are abductions, some are invitations."

Based on the theory that at least some highly advanced alien species would be compassionate, reasonable and understanding, the novel examines the reality of what would happen when such aliens meet a human and try to find mutual compatibility.

There are no space battles where humans struggle against an opposing alien force intent on destroying them (or vice versa), no danger of being eaten alive or used to propagate an alien race, no “shoot-em-up and wipe-em-out” or quasi military task forces sent by anyone to conquer the universe in the name of exploration.

Instead, this novel offers a thoughtful and realistic look at the complexities of two different species finding common ground and mutual compatibility -- learning from each other and growing together in the spirit of friendship, cooperation, and understanding. The characters deal with the problems of communication, meeting natural needs (eating, sleeping, etc) and lifestyles (political, religious, social). Through reading about how the characters come to an understanding of each other, we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and how we relate to each other.

Plot:

The Wroussara come to Earth in their UFO, a living space ship called a “Star Hopper”. They have been compelled to do so by their own natural compassion after psychically discovering Paul's recurring dream, his nightmare that is the result of watching a vintage sci fi movie about a giant blob on the attack.

The Wroussara have no concept of a dream, it a completely alien concept to them. Thus, believing Paul's dream to be a psychic record of actual events, they cross the Galaxy at faster than light speeds in their spherical UFO (called a Star Hopper) to help the human race deal with the monstrous creature. In their psychic understanding, the blob creature is as real and dangerous to humanity as it is in Paul's dream. The innocent Wroussara believe the dream story as much as Paul does when he is asleep.

They meet Paul, and in the course of their initial meeting, he discovers the wonderful innocence of the kindly Wroussara, which is in sharp contrast to their frightening insectoid appearance. He must overcome his fear and prejudice and discover the true beauty of the alien beings that is the core of their soul.

The Wroussara discover and learn what it means to be human, and they wonder at the amazing complexity of the human mind that so often seems to work at odds against itself. Through Paul they learn of human society as he understands and observes it -- that it is divided by competing factions, fears the unknown, and resists change. They also learn what it is like for an individual to be alienated in human society -- how one can feel like a stranger in a strange land, even in one's own home town, thanks to human prejudice, bigotry, and judgment.

Paul also meets the Scaradin, a very different race of beings whose origins are avian, and who have a pathological race hatred of the Wroussara. Paul discovers that the Scaradin are highly intelligent and articulate predators intent on colonizing other worlds to expand their religion-based society. They are not interested in conversion but conquest and the absorption of natural resources to meet their own ends. Like the Wroussara, they are communicative and rational, but they have alarming cunning and guile. Their technological advancements and artistry stand in sharp contrast to their sadistic, cruel and callous nature.

Paul must protect both his new friends, the innocent Wroussara, and his own Planet Earth from these greedy and relentless creatures whose self opinion is so arrogant and self righteous that they believe it is their Divine destiny to over-run and dominate other worlds and species.

Throughout his adventure, Paul learns of new technologies, the nature of the cosmos, different approaches to science, and develops a deeper understanding of physical, psychological, and social nature. He has to adapt his thinking and release his preconceptions to understand and accept this new knowledge if he is going to survive -- and he must use his own human gifts of intelligence, imagination, even wit, to deal with these two seemingly opposite alien societies and find, if he can, his way back to Earth.

Along the way he makes friends and enemies and must manage discoveries, confusions, thrills and disappointments about what he thought an alien encounter would be like -- while coming to an acceptance and understanding of his own human nature and species.

The Wroussara Trilogy is a three-volume work. Volume I is currently published as a PDF ebook.