The Matchling (Volume 1)

In 2666, inventor Lucien nears the completion of his decades-long project: the construction of the largest, fastest starship ever built by humans. The secret machinations of the Marrow's engine and computer system are well-guarded. All goes according to plan until Lucien's starship is hijacked by Tira, his daughter. As Tira and her crew flee Earth and head deeper into unknown space, they encounter multiple worlds, races, and cultures, and take on new crew, all with Lucien chasing close behind. But Tira is determined to escape her father, or die in the attempt.

Volume 1 follows the crew first to Gaert, a small desert planet on the edge of restricted space. The Marrow finds a talented engineer, a young prodigy named Penelope, who is a member of a strange cult on the planet. Penelope experiences visions which help her understand mechanics. She has a unique connection with the Marrow's engine core and computer, which Tira recognizes as unique. The Marrow is chased from Gaert by Lucien, and manages to escape by using the novel propulsion system called the gateway engine. As Tira studies the engine, she begins to unlock its secret.

The Marrow proceeds to Mus'sas, a moon colony. Each crewmember becomes entangled in dark political intrigue in Mus'sas, including the execution of a terrorist attack and the assassination of a leader. In response to the Marrow's involvement, the Mus'sashian government attacks the ship. Tira, having been on the Marrow for three months at this point, realizes the full power of the gateway engines and uses them in battle.

The entire Matchling story takes place over 12 months. Volume 1 brings us to the third month. 5 volumes are planned at this time.