That Which Ignites

by Scott Bartlett

A galactic powder keg explodes...

And one small ship is at the center of it all.

With Earth wiped out, and half her crew gone, the UES Interchange limps toward Sirius - the Dog Star, which aliens call the Beacon.

There, Captain Seemey, Sergeant Morgan, and the remnants of their crew are pulled into what promises to be the war to end all wars.

A dark force has all but taken over, and galactic powers are fighting over what's left.

If the Interchange's crew can't ignite the spark that finally gives the Enemy pause - even as they contend with what has already been done to them - then all will be lost.

Download I, That Which Ignites now and grab the edge of your seat for this bold new space opera.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2025

About the author

Scott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter.

Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.

Here are some more believable statements:

Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.

During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…

...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.

In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.

Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:

https://www.scottplots.com

Reviews

[Manie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess harmony between aliens of different galactic origins is not something that can ever really exist. Yet somehow they might try.
Until they no longer do.
That is exactly what happened when the UES Interchange limped to a union of five different alien races in order to get assistance to get the Interchange repaired and upgraded. Sergeant Henry Morgan and Captain Seemey certainly are in again for some nasty surprises.
And this universe gets about to enter an unexpected war threatening to destroy everything.
Enjoy

[Gwen Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Bartlett, you've done it again.  This was a fantastic book to read.  The continuing story of Sergeant Henry Morgan as the Artificial Intelligence of the spaceship Interchange, but he's more than an AI.  And Major Jim Anderson has agreed to be hooked up in the Hector's cryo pod so that he may do what Henry does.  Having been shot, and now paralyzed, provides him with a level of an active life that was unimageable.  Now they meet up with the cats of the Fontain and thus the Coalition, who have become allies.  But while the ships are in drydock there is a war that breaks out between the Coalition and the Shunda.  And stay tuned for more to come.  Thanks, Scott.  I appreciate your style of writing and your brilliance of mind. You're fantastic.

[Dennis Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Morgan Unchained

It’s about time. Our Henry Morgan gets to show his chops (a little) as the Marine he is. I wouldn’t consider it to be a spoiler alert (they all are on a war footing after all) but there IS a battle in the latter half that bears remarkable resemblance to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Almost comical that the name of the strategist and attacking admiral is a take off of the name of the Japaneses officer. The Japanese’ failure to deliver the third wave attack is similarly repeated. I’ve read the series so far and can’t wait for the next chapter.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very good entry in the I, Starship series. There’s a lot to unpack in this story, from Major Anderson making a life choice, then Henry and Major Anderson getting mobility, to the Interchange getting upgrade and a war. Very good read! I’m recommending it for these reasons. I gave it 5 stars.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit short, yet a superior book

While there are still multiple factions vying to assert dominance over perceived slights committed against them (whether it was any act done covertly or “publicly”)

This attribute of some desire to accumulate power to prevent neutral parties from becoming a potential threat. So the Shunda & a few others choose to attack before anyone can contemplate moving against them.

[Brian Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning storyline in this series. With the realisation of who Morgan really is does the crew accept him more and does the captain give him more responsibility.
The way to find out is to read this stunning episode..
I absolutely recommend this book.

[Sidney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Another good installment with Sgt Morgan getting more freedom and trust. But the voyage is still taking the crew into dangerous space with a much reduced crew and depleted weapons. Can humanity hold on to their tenuous situation? Either they do or it’s over!

[Richard Jeffery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad Henry is back!

I prefer the I Starship AI story than another inter planetary war which is seemingly coming up.
The New relationship with the awoken basic AI is an interesting development.
We shall see ..

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story full of action and interesting aliens. The narration is spectacular! I am looking forward to the rest of the series!

[vic confue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starship book 6

I've enjoyed the whole series and look forward to the sequel in Nov 26.dont understand why I needed to say more