Nova T-shirt

Nova is a space-opera–infused literary novel that blends mythic structure, cyberpunk-anticipation, and class conflict within a far-future galactic economy.

The story centers on Lorin Dunbar Von Ray (Lorq Von Ray), a rebellious, charismatic starship captain from a wealthy trading family. Lorq is obsessed with accomplishing a dangerous, nearly impossible mission: flying his ship into the heart of an exploding nova to obtain Illyrion, an ultra-powerful, ultra-rare energy source that fuels interstellar travel and could reshape political power across the galaxy.

Lorq’s obsession is partly personal—he is driven by a fierce rivalry with the aristocratic, manipulative Red family, especially Prince Red, whose influence dominates the galaxy’s ruling class. Lorq believes that if he can secure a supply of Illyrion directly from a nova, he can break their power permanently.

To attempt this, Lorq assembles a diverse crew of outsiders, many with cybernetic or sensory augmentations, including:

• Mouse, a young Roma musician whose “sensory syrynx,” an instrument that projects immersive audiovisual experiences, becomes central to the novel’s thematic core

• Katin, a scholar determined to write a novel in an age where print books are obsolete

• Tyÿ, an elite woman fleeing the Red family’s control

• Various misfit laborers, techs, and psychic-sensory specialists

As they journey through space, conflicts within the crew, memories of childhood trauma, economic and political tensions, and Mouse’s struggles for identity and creative expression intertwine. The Red family pursues them relentlessly, seeking to stop Lorq’s mission and maintain their control over Illyrion.

The climax occurs when Lorq executes his daring plunge into the nova—a moment of mythic transcendence, sensory overload, and personal catharsis. In the aftermath, power structures in the galaxy begin to shift, and the characters confront the consequences of Lorq’s obsession and sacrifice.