Wolves Among the Stars (Backyard Starship Book 26)

After two decades of training at the Nexus, the children of Van and his crew are prepared to begin their careers in space. Aboard their new ship, the AnaDarko, the young officers investigate a mystery spanning vast stretches of time—the origins of Gabby's people and why life scattered across the gas giants sounds familiar to her. Under the leadership of Rab, a seasoned Peacemaker, the young crew pursues scientific discovery. Meanwhile, Van and Torina confront a threat emerging from Earth itself. With Constance Plowitz's retirement, control of Earth's future shifts to someone who views the Fist of Orion as an adversary rather than an ally. Now two decades older and more experienced, Van and the crew—including Perry, Funboy, and Icky—are better equipped to pursue justice. The story involves old allies, new individuals, and a power struggle with roots extending back to when known space was young, empires were established, and war was commonplace.