Atlas' Final Approach — J. Channing

Ever since Atlas Carter watched his wife die in a fiery explosion on the day he betrayed the SSC and allowed the Narcos to capture Belize City, his life has spiraled out of control.

Court martialed and exiled by the SSC to the Sword Belt Nebula, he was given command of a ship with a dysfunctional crew and tasked with keeping order in the system. He thought the most difficult things he'd have to deal with were some space pirates and random scuffles amongst his crew, but he was wrong. An ancient alien race known as the First Ones have returned to the physical universe, and they're hell-bent on consuming any and all matter they come across, including whole star systems.

Now in command of the Bwainhome, an alien ship of unbelievable power, he must bring together a unified force, both human and alien, to stop the First Ones. Unfortunately, there are those back on Earth who, in their insatiable thirst for power, have branded him as a traitor and spread lies about him, accusing him of teaming up with the Bwain so he could help them to take over the Earth. They refuse to see the real threat, and are doing everything in their power to stop him.

Unfortunately, time is running out. His link to the Endless Knot, the ancient entity that is the heart of the Bwainhome, is slowly killing him. If he can't stop the First Ones before his mind and body fail him, then all will be lost.