The Guardian Protocol: Book One of the Gifted Fleet Saga - Paperback

Humanity did not earn its place among the stars-it inherited it.

When Earth is suddenly gifted a fleet of advanced alien warships, strict rules come with the technology. Limits on use. Limits on expansion. Limits meant to keep humanity from becoming the very threat the galaxy fears.

Commander Eli Rourke is given command of one such ship-an escort frigate never meant to operate alone. As political pressure mounts and an unknown hostile force begins probing humanity's defenses, Rourke and his crew must learn how to wield overwhelming power without crossing the lines meant to restrain it.

As first contact turns violent, every decision carries consequences measured not in victories, but in survival.

A grounded, tactical military science fiction novel, Guardian Protocol explores command under pressure, realistic space combat, and the cost of power when humanity steps onto the interstellar stage for the first time.