Incident at Zyralin 4

Incident at Zyralin 4 is part of the Chronicle of the 12th Realm series, it predates the first book but sets the scene for the series as is usually the case for prequels. Political intrigue, corruption romance and loss are showcased in this rollicking adventure.
Alan Dean is due for a promotion, to qualify he must demonstrate he can command a battle group, but in peace time there is little chance of this happening.

When communication with the Coalition science station on Zyralin 4 is lost, a mission is hastily devised to investigate; this could be Dean's chance. He leads a group of three aging ships to investigate and the inspection reveals that all on the science station have died in horrific ways.

The mystery of Zyralin 4 deepens when three unidentified battle ships are detected heading towards the group; then all comms to Earth are lost.

Two months later, one severely damaged ship returns, the other two - destroyed.

Why were the ships attacked in friendly territory?

What happened on the science station?

Serious charges are laid by Dean and a full military inquiry is launched, as answers must be found.

Against a backdrop of political intrigue and rogue intelligence agents, finding the truth becomes the mission. Power and revenge may just be the real motives.