Apollo Wept: A Space Opera Trilogy

In the year 2104, America has achieved "perfect equity"—or so they claim. With 169 recognized genders and sexual orientations, a government obsessed with eradicating all traces of its "bigoted" past, and social justice ideology enforced through authoritarian control, Captain Pen Lencoln finds himself in an impossible position: he's a straight white male commanding the USS DESPAIR on humanity's most "equitable" mission ever.

Part One: Making Herstory The mission begins with a simple goal—track down the ancient Voyager probe and replace its offensive plaque depicting only two human genders with something more "inclusive." But as DESPAIR ventures deeper into space, Lencoln's problems multiply faster than government-approved pronouns. Between a fanatical Social Justice Officer determined to catch him in thought crimes, mysterious Chinese software sabotaging the ship's systems, and falling for a woman back on Earth, Lencoln must navigate both the cosmos and bureaucratic absurdity. When he discovers a digital recreation of his great-grandfather hidden in an old laptop, he gains a secret advisor from a less "enlightened" era.

Part Two: Voyager - The Last Mission The stakes escalate as Lencoln finally reaches Voyager, shadowed by a Chinese vessel with orders to prevent DESPAIR from discovering their secret mining operation. Aboard his ship, Senior Social Justice Officer Borgmyn works tirelessly to undermine him, while the mysterious digital entity "Pop" offers guidance from beyond. As Lencoln faces the moment of truth at Voyager, he must choose: follow orders and erase the last remnant of Old America, or take a stand that could cost him everything.

Part Three: Saving History When Lencoln chooses to bring Voyager aboard instead of destroying it, he becomes an enemy of the state. The old records on Voyager reveal the truth about an American history that has been systematically erased—a history of creativity, innovation, and freedom. As forces from both New America and China conspire to silence him, Lencoln finds unlikely allies in the Republic of Texas and discovers an extraordinary defense system created by his digital ancestor. His fight for survival becomes a battle to reclaim the forgotten spirit of a once-great nation.

This provocative military science fiction trilogy dares to challenge contemporary political trends through the lens of a future gone wrong, crafting a world that's simultaneously thrilling and unsettling. Perfect for readers seeking stories that celebrate traditional values, question authority, and explore the enduring power of truth in the face of ideological conformity.

If you enjoyed 1984 by George Orwell, Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein, and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, you'll love Apollo Wept.

© 2026 Defiance Press and Publishing (Ebook): 9781966625773

Release date

Ebook: 29 January 2026