Introduction to Hosting by Dave Skinner

[Dave]

Hosting is a Science Fiction novel containing little in the way of hard science, although quantum entanglements play their part. It concentrates instead on the sciences of psychology, philosophy, and neurology. The novel references the works of Dr. Max Luscher and Dr. John Lilly as well as touching on writings by Carl Sagan and R. L. Gregory. Philosophical speculation includes questions about what affects extended life span may have on memory and personality, as well as the moral dilemma between love and consequence.

At the beginning of the story, Jamie Waters--the narrator-- is in a coma. He agrees to help a voice in his head, to find and deactivate the second last ancient alien artifact on Earth. During their quest, he learns about the Core; a universal energy field used by alien races, and about artifacts, that can be used for good or evil. Abandoned and jailed at the end of the quest, Jamie is embittered. He wants closure. He wants revenge. He knows there is one artifact left, and chance gives him the opportunity to get what he wants, although he may have to destroy a woman he loves. After his adventure in Africa, Jamie settles down for a normal life with his new wife and daughter, until he is informed that another alien is on the way to destroy their life by killing his daughter. The only way to stop the killing is to master the mystery of the Core, and his daughter is the only person who can do this. But can a thirteen-year-old child accomplish this in time and can Jamie kill to grant her the time she requires?

Hosting is a story of real people in typical and extraordinary circumstances, handled with humour and sincerity.