Near-Earth

Up until now, I haven't needed to concern myself with 'known' stars in the Jack McFee novels, nor with those that lie close to Earth. Scotia and the other places we visit are quite far from 'the old worlds.' The only known stars I've named were Sol itself and Sirius. I expect to visit both in the current novel in progress, during Anna and Jack's honeymoon voyage. 

This means I've needed to research the stellar systems close to Earth, particularly Tau Ceti, Alpha Centauri, and Epsilon Eridani. Do they have habitable planets? Which would be on Jack's route to Earth? He can jump to red dwarfs rather than any of these, so I don't necessarily have to commit to anything when it comes to human colonies or even a human presence anywhere. 

I doubt I will posit preexisting life in any of those three systems. None seem particularly suitable to its development. I could change my mind about that. At this point, my 'canon' is that nothing more advances than microbes has been found on any planet humans have explored. 

I do intend to visit Sirius. Jack is interested in it from an historical standpoint, as the system where serious mining of ultra-massive elements began, fueling further travel outward. He is working on his dissertation, after all, even if Anna should rightfully get most of his attention!

Public Office

Jack McFee’s family is wealthy and influential, but its members have always eschewed direct politics. They do not run for office. They have, however, sometimes served in bureaucratic and diplomatic roles. Both of Jack’s parents became part of the wartime bureaucracy — which served to pull Jack into his own roles during the war.

Similarly, his cousin Errol fills a diplomatic role in the immediate postwar period, establishing trade agreements between the now-neutral Scotian Group and other organizations and associations. He may well continue in an occasional trouble-shooter role but is more likely to be looking out for his family’s interests.

And what of Jack? Officially, he furthers his education for four years or so after the end of the war, while still doing the occasional bit of espionage. As for his employment after that, nothing is set. He could well end up a diplomat himself — or the husband of one. Anna Gallen, whom he marries in ‘Blind Jump,’ (WIP) does have her connections to the Thulean government. Or he could teach in some college or another, a la Indiana Jones, between adventures. He could even end up at the helm of the McFee Concern down the line.

But be assured, he will never run for public office. McFees don’t do that.