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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
9 books6 followersJ.S. Warner spent 33 years in education, teaching mathematics in New Jersey, American Samoa, and the Philippines, and working as a school nurse in New Jersey, before retiring in March 2026 to write full time.
Since publishing his first book in October 2024, he has released the Nurse Jim children's book series in five languages and the Zoe Vega science fiction series. His debut novel, Measured Steps: The Claire Morrison Files, a psychological thriller, was published February 1, 2026.
He and his wife of over forty years are parents and grandparents who currently live at the Jersey Shore.
Since publishing his first book in October 2024, he has released the Nurse Jim children's book series in five languages and the Zoe Vega science fiction series. His debut novel, Measured Steps: The Claire Morrison Files, a psychological thriller, was published February 1, 2026.
He and his wife of over forty years are parents and grandparents who currently live at the Jersey Shore.
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