The Puppet Contingency

In a secret laboratory called the Cube, researchers are working on an unsanctioned holographic cloning experiment. Their test subject is a soldier who was rescued from the battlefield. Severely wounded, he is not expected to live long.

The scientists' task is to create a holographic replica of the subject's body and then transfer his consciousness into it. But will the soldier's soul transfer over once his body is taken off life support?

The Passion Behind Steve's Science Fiction Books Steve R. Romano's fascination with science fiction started as a child after watching the premiere episode of Star Trek. In high school, he became a bigger fan after being assigned to read many of the well-known classics in a science fiction English class. Steve's interest in science fiction was further heightened when his sci-fi heroes--Gene Roddenberry, Theodore Sturgeon and Ray Bradbury--spoke at his high school at one of the assemblies. Mr. Roddenberry showed the students a film of Star Trek bloopers, it being a treasure from Gene's private collection, never shown before publicly. Steve's pastime entertaining guests at renaissance festivals as his witty, costumed character "Laktos the Intolerable" inspired the characters in his "Dreams of Betrayal" series. After his friends read several of his amusing stories that were written for their benefit, they encouraged him to take things a step further. He then turned the series of tales into a short novel. After an editor critiqued it and gave him valuable pointers, he was ready to start the long journey ahead that led to Steve finding his passion, being a full-time author. Steve's Other Direction, Juvenile Fiction Steve and his wife Heidi decided that there was a need for family-oriented children's books that are not only entertaining, but also teach values. They are currently writing two types of books: children's picture books and action-adventure stories.

Heidi Bosch Romano is an artist who enjoys creating traditional and digital art; nature photography; writing, editing and illustrating books; and designing websites. Heidi's parents were talented artists who encouraged her to draw and paint at an early age. At various well-known animation studios, she learned tips about storytelling, and at a global provider of publishing and educational services, she learned print production: the process of turning rough manuscripts into camera-ready art for professional four-color printing. Between her upbringing and on-the-job training, she's well-suited for her favorite creative endeavor: co-producing with her husband Steve R. Romano, family-oriented books for children, action-adventure stories for middle-grade kids, and sci-fi novels for adults. Heidi feels that every person should do their part to make a positive difference in our world. She adopts unwanted adult pets; she writes to the appropriate groups to alert them of issues that need their attention; she creates websites and writes books to help others deal with life's issues; and she does everything possible to promote peace and understanding.