THE STARS DOWN UNDER

A series that began as military science fiction (The Outback Stars, 2007) wanders off into mystical byways.

The inferred backdrop: Earth has suffered a self-inflicted meltdown, which the southern hemisphere nations largely survived. Interstellar travelers discovered the Seven Sisters, planets terraformed (Australiaformed, actually) by the accommodating alien Wondjina, who also left an instantaneous transporter system. Previously, on planet Fortune, Team Space Lieutenant (now Lt-Commander) Jodenny Scott and her husband, Chief Terry Myell, performed various heroics while battling space-terrorists and exploring the transporter system, wherein Myell encountered a godlike being that might control the entire complex. In this installment, the transporter won’t work for anybody but Myell; when he refuses to join a rescue mission, he’s shanghaied at gunpoint. Numerous adventures ensue, as Myell shows a cowardly face but then, reluctantly, does what’s necessary and honorable. As his encounters become increasingly existential, he'll meet the Roon, aliens of primitive aspect who are ascribed advanced powers and weapons; a tribe of tree-dwelling, all-female Aboriginals; and a race of godlike female shapeshifting crocodiles. Meanwhile, to avoid complications, Jodenny voyages incognito to Earth aboard a creaky, temperamental passenger vessel. She arrives only to find Earth already rendered helpless by three huge Roon warships; despite this, and her obvious military competence, she’s given nothing much to do.

Stranded between two strikingly contrasting audiences, a yarn that will endear itself to neither.