Redleg in Space Series by Z.D. Dean

Lt Zade, on his last days of his last deployment to Afghanistan, still couldn’t find the excitement he so desperately needed. A chance encounter, on his last mission, sends him hurtling through space on the Unity exploration ship XES01. Surrounded by aliens, Zade must quickly learn to interact with the non-soldiers on the crew. As he tries to earn his place amongst the ship, Zade’s combat prowess quickly earns him a spot as the security officer of the ship... moreLt Zade, on his last days of his last deployment to Afghanistan, still couldn’t find the excitement he so desperately needed. A chance encounter, on his last mission, sends him hurtling through space on the Unity exploration ship XES01. Surrounded by aliens, Zade must quickly learn to interact with the non-soldiers on the crew. As he tries to earn his place amongst the ship, Zade’s combat prowess quickly earns him a spot as the security officer of the ship. A seat left vacant because of a fatal exchange between the former security officer and the wildlife of a far planet. As Zade begins living the adrenaline filled life of a space explorer, he has to ask himself some very important questions. How does he get back to earth? Does he even want to? Disclaimer: The main character is a combat veteran, so there is some rough language throughout the book. less

Re-edit as of 31MAR2021Exiled from Unity core space and bent to get back to Earth, Zade starts his journey in the derelict ship provided by the chancellor. After a lucky bout of clumsiness, he learns that the ship he was given is much more than meets the eyes. The ancient ship, crafted with poorly understood technology, gives Zade his first hope that he can help mankind meet the challenges of their inclusion in the interstellar community. All he has to do is make it home with minimal delays.

Gaining strength as he moves through the galaxy, Zade is beginning to get a feel for his new ship and crew. Although his main purpose is to find earth so he can help protect them from forces like the Unity and Domain, the enormity of his task has started to wear on him. A broken and barely understandable radio signal pulls him and the crew from their slump... moreGaining strength as he moves through the galaxy, Zade is beginning to get a feel for his new ship and crew. Although his main purpose is to find earth so he can help protect them from forces like the Unity and Domain, the enormity of his task has started to wear on him. A broken and barely understandable radio signal pulls him and the crew from their slump. Can Anne triangulate the location of earth? How long has it been since he got taken? What will he find when he gets there? Zade has to grapple with those questions as he makes a beeline for home. less