IASA Armstrong
IASA Armstrong is Book #33 in the Prosian Universe series by Daniel R. Bingamon. It combines the SS Scavenger and Alliance Command storylines with the wider Prosian Universe.
Overview
- Title: IASA Armstrong
- Series: Prosian Universe #33
- Author: Daniel R. Bingamon
- Publisher: Lox & Frybread Music & Publications
- Genre: Science fiction, space exploration, mystery
- Story setting: 3437
- Length: Approximately 98,030 words
- Print format: 6 × 9 inches
Synopsis
During the wedding celebrations of Vek Tollin Saren and Emilya Saren, John Rin reveals that he has detected an unusual Morse-code distress signal at Scavenger Base.
The transmission contains SOS and the identification IASA 7239L, eventually traced to the long-lost Earth exploration vessel Armstrong.
Elira Kastovic and AS Ralos investigate the signal in the Kruger 60 system, accompanied by John, Kessa Rin, and Terev Gillings.
Their investigation reveals an impossible interstellar journey, a stranded human expedition, and a community that has developed over nearly three centuries.
Historical Background
The original IASA Armstrong expedition was commanded by Angelica Barnes and carried twenty-four people. While under phase drive en route to Groombridge 34, the ship encountered a micro-singularity and underwent an anomalous phase-field event.
The ship and singularity emerged near Kruger 60. Unable to return home, the crew established a settlement on Kruger 60 II.
Armstrong Station
The descendants of the original twenty-four survivors developed a settlement near a northern lake. By 3437, its population had reached approximately 800.
Following rediscovery, Armstrong Station was recognized as a protected Earth-origin colony. The residents regard Kruger 60 II as home, although Earth remains their ancestral world.
Scientific Significance
The Armstrong event produced an effective velocity exceeding Z12.5, far beyond the conventional Relenium limit of Z8.5. It also produced uneven inertial protection, structural stresses, material changes in Selekonium-G, and unexplained heavy-element losses.
The precise mechanism remains unresolved in 3437.
The Distress Signal
Original radioman Ron Jacobs established a Morse-code distress beacon that continued operating across generations.
SOS SOS SOS IASA 7239L ARMSTRONG SURVIVORS KRUGER 60 II
The nearby micro-singularity distorted the signal's propagation, allowing it to reach unexpected receivers.
Its eventual detection inspired the Alliance to develop legacy distress-monitoring capabilities for the Stellar Navigation System.
Principal Characters
- Elira Kastovic — Captain of AS Ralos, later Fleet Admiral.
- John Rin — Detects the Armstrong distress signal.
- Kessa Rin — Scientific specialist and John Rin's wife.
- Terev Gillings — Prosian scientist and diplomatic representative.
- Angelica Barnes — Original captain of Armstrong.
- Angelica Barnes Smith — Descendant of the captain and temporary Armstrong Station representative.
- Ron Jacobs — Original Armstrong radioman.
- Ralph Jacobs and Rena Jacobs — Armstrong Station communications.
- Cynthia Jacobs — Twelve-year-old descendant and visitor aboard Ralos.
- Sarak Pevden — Altrenian research scientist.
- Hanako Sato — Ralos chief science officer.
- Ravi Patel — Ralos chief engineer.
- Nara Selin — Ralos communications officer.
- Selena Morik — Ralos chief medical officer.
- Mevara — Ralos AI.
Related Ships and Locations
- IASA Armstrong
- AS Ralos
- Armstrong Station
- Kruger 60 II
- Scavenger Base
- SS Scavenger DX-1017
- SS Recovery
- SS Renewal
- AS Worldbuilder
Themes
The novel explores exploration, survival, scientific uncertainty, family, cultural continuity, and the meaning of home. Its central communication theme is that an obsolete transmission may still carry an urgent message.
Prosian Saying
- Akora ze mor ke akrat bavuk ni.
- Home is where the journey becomes life.