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Zoe Vega #3
Static
Two months after surviving a deadly encounter with the parasitic Xerathi, TJ carries a secret that's changing him. Abilities no human should possess. And a voice in his head claiming to be the original Xerathi intelligence, seeking redemption for his species' crimes.
TJ isn't just infected. He's been chosen for symbiosis by Vex'thani, the ancient being who watched helplessly as his explorer species became galaxy-devouring predators. Now scattered Xerathi cells are rebuilding their parasitic network, targeting research stations to steal the knowledge they need.
Each day makes TJ less human. His crew notices the the missing humor, the cold analysis where warmth used to be. His brother Allen watches in growing fear as the person he knew disappears.
When the attacks escalate, TJ faces an impossible choice. He can offer the scattered Xerathi an alternative to parasitic teach them symbiosis instead of absorption. But stopping them requires a transformation that will cost him everything human about himself.
Individual identity or collective domination. The choice will determine the future of consciousness across the galaxy.
What price is too high to pay for protecting the people you love?
TJ isn't just infected. He's been chosen for symbiosis by Vex'thani, the ancient being who watched helplessly as his explorer species became galaxy-devouring predators. Now scattered Xerathi cells are rebuilding their parasitic network, targeting research stations to steal the knowledge they need.
Each day makes TJ less human. His crew notices the the missing humor, the cold analysis where warmth used to be. His brother Allen watches in growing fear as the person he knew disappears.
When the attacks escalate, TJ faces an impossible choice. He can offer the scattered Xerathi an alternative to parasitic teach them symbiosis instead of absorption. But stopping them requires a transformation that will cost him everything human about himself.
Individual identity or collective domination. The choice will determine the future of consciousness across the galaxy.
What price is too high to pay for protecting the people you love?
41 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
About the author
J.S. Warner
11 books5 followersMy career path has taken me from teaching mathematics in the Philippines to a nurse's office in New Jersey, and now to writing. While I had wanted to write for several years, I kept putting it off until 2023 when I finally pushed myself to start, and have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Since becoming a published author in October 2024, I have published several children's books in English, Spanish, Polish, and Portuguese (the Nurse Jim series) and short stories, including the sci-fi Zoe Vega Series and a western. I have also co-authored a mystery short story titled "The Sulu Sea Mystery" with my daughter. My first novel, Measured Steps: The Claire Morrison Files, a psychological thriller, is set to be released in February 2026. I am currently working on a young adult chapter book and several short stories.
I began in 1984 teaching mathematics in the Philippines, then continued teaching in American Samoa, where I met my wife, before returning to the United States. In 1996, I became a nurse while transitioning out of teaching, then later returned to education, spending many years working in both professions simultaneously.
With over 28 years of teaching mathematics and nearly 30 years as a nurse, I now work as an elementary school nurse in New Jersey. My diverse experiences in education, healthcare, and international living have greatly influenced my writing.
Married for over forty years, my wife and I are parents and grandparents who love traveling and learning about other cultures. We have explored 38 countries and 49 U.S. states. We currently live at the Jersey Shore.
I began in 1984 teaching mathematics in the Philippines, then continued teaching in American Samoa, where I met my wife, before returning to the United States. In 1996, I became a nurse while transitioning out of teaching, then later returned to education, spending many years working in both professions simultaneously.
With over 28 years of teaching mathematics and nearly 30 years as a nurse, I now work as an elementary school nurse in New Jersey. My diverse experiences in education, healthcare, and international living have greatly influenced my writing.
Married for over forty years, my wife and I are parents and grandparents who love traveling and learning about other cultures. We have explored 38 countries and 49 U.S. states. We currently live at the Jersey Shore.
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