"The Daedulus Transfer" is science fiction, but not the lasers and aliens kind.  It’s more "hard" science fiction, with its science rooted in the real world.  The author seems to have gone to great lengths to understand the physics behind space travel, as well as the technology.

I have to give them credit for research and detail.  However, the story is a little dry as a result because, sadly, the technical aspects are the best part of the writing.  The dialogue is a little stilted, as the astronauts seem intent on reminding each other how important their work is.  All of them could have worked for Hallmark, it’s as if they’re trying really hard to out-profound Neil Armstrong’s "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."  It gets pretty tiresome quickly.

The opening chapter features the transfer of the Daedelus into launching off a space station and an accident that kills the transfer crew.  The Daedelus launches anyway, so they don’t lose their window, but the astronauts seem to just accept that the deaths are "part of the risk."  Their "leap" for mankind is more important.  However, the beginning doesn’t bode well for their journey—foreshadowing more trouble to come.

If you like realistic sci-fi, this might be for you—I tend towards more adventure than exploration myself.  "Star Wars" before "Star Trek," in my universe.

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