Stowaways on the Star-Skimmer: The Unexpected Arrival

By Roger Bell

Summary of Stowaways on the Star Skimmer
The story of Stowaways on the Star-Skimmer follows Elara and Jax, two individuals who, six months prior to the start of the narrative, accidentally stowed away on a spacecraft, leading to them being stranded and presumed lost on a lunar moonbase. Their initial desperation gives way to an uncanny ability to survive and navigate the base's hidden service tunnels, becoming "ghosts in the machine" and learning its every secret.
Life in close quarters begins to fray their nerves, leading to minor disagreements, but strengthening their bond as they share personal fears and memories. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when their re-purposed cleaning bot, Waffles, inadvertently helps them "befriend" a Moonbase Maintenance Drone, which fixes Waffles' squeaky wheel in an amusing interaction.
Driven by a thirst for freedom and a need for reconnaissance, Jax and Elara undertake a highly dangerous, unauthorized moonwalk using a hotwired lunar rover and ill-fitting EVA suits. This provides a brief, exhilarating taste of the outside world, though it nearly leads to their discovery by a security drone.
Their ultimate chance for escape arrives when they overhear news of an incoming supply mission from Earth. This sparks "Operation: Stow Away Home," a meticulous, high-stakes plan to board the returning Hermes supply ship. They navigate numerous obstacles and close calls, including a last-minute scramble to evade a security sweep in the cargo bay by comically disguising themselves under tarpaulins.
The journey back to Earth is marked by a chaotic, nerve-wracking re-entry through the atmosphere, with intense G-forces and further near-discoveries. Finally, the Hermes lands at Cape Canaveral. Elara and Jax attempt a frantic escape from the cargo bay, leading to a brief chase with security before they are inevitably caught.
Despite their unauthorized actions, the repercussions are surprisingly light, due to their status as presumed-lost victims. They receive a lifetime ban from space travel, a fine, and a mandatory public service tour. The story concludes with Elara and Jax reflecting on their incredible, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, now safely grounded but forever changed by their experiences. A final humorous reveal shows Waffles attempting to launch a small drone with a "message in a bottle," hinting that for the intrepid little bit, the spirit of adventure remains strong.
Would you like to explore any specific part of their journey in more detail, or discuss the characters?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FL7T98LG
• ISBN13: 9798296569431
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 348 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"