ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Adventure Begins
SPACE FORCE 2038
Space Force 2038: The Adventure Begins by Judd C. Stapleton is a sci-fi novel set in a future where the U.S. Space Force is established to protect American interests in space, particularly on the Moon. The story mixes action, humor, and political satire as humanity competes for lunar resources amidst growing tensions between the U.S., China, and Russia. With futuristic military operations, space travel, and global conflict, the novel explores the challenges of lunar colonization and the high stakes of interstellar competition.
The plot follows Dr. Heywood Floyd, a retired intelligence officer who is called back for one final mission to the Moon. Disguised as a retired professor, Floyd deals with political and military challenges on the Moon, particularly over the disputed South Pole-Aitken Basin. As he carries out his mission, Floyd reflects on the personal sacrifices of his career and the emotional cost of space exploration, leading to a military conflict that highlights the high price of progress.
Dr. Heywood Floyd
It sounds better with bongos.
Dr. Heywood Floyd, the protagonist of the book, is a retired intelligence officer who is called back for one final mission to the Moon. With a background in linguistics and ancient history, Floyd is more intellectual than the typical action hero, and his experience makes him a skilled strategist. However, his retirement was meant to be a time for reconnection with his estranged family, especially his wife and daughter, whom he has neglected due to his long career. His personal life is marked by regret and guilt over the sacrifices he made for his work, and he struggles with the emotional cost of his service.
Floyd’s mission to the Moon involves gathering intelligence and ensuring U.S. interests are protected in the politically charged South Pole-Aitken Basin, a region rich in resources. Throughout the novel, he faces moral dilemmas about the cost of his work on his family and his sense of self. While he is an effective leader and strategist, his mission brings him to a realization: his professional success comes at the expense of his personal happiness and relationships. Floyd’s journey reflects the sacrifices made in the pursuit of duty and the emotional toll of being committed to a cause greater than oneself.
