The Pirate Protocol - Jason Dodge

Jax Meridian doesn't care about galactic politics. Half-human, half-machine, and fully done with the Earth Alliance, he just wants to drift quietly across the stars in his aging ship with Snark, his wise-cracking robot parrot.

But when a mysterious alien artifact falls into his hands-and a terrifying new species threatens reality itself-Jax is forced into a war he wanted no part of.

Tasked with stealing an ancient piece of technology that could change space travel forever, Jax discovers the real weapon might be his obnoxious feathered sidekick. As enemies close in and secrets unfold, Jax must face a choice: become the galaxy's most reluctant hero-or lose everything.

Packed with sharp humor, heart-pounding action, and surprising emotion, The Pirate Protocol is a fast-paced sci-fi adventure where trust is scarce, freedom is priceless, and the fate of the stars may rest on the wings of a very sarcastic bird.