Today, we are featuring Captain Harold Galahad, the protagonist of Herald Petrel by Strange Seawolf, for our Character Interview feature.
The Interview
Welcome to The Reading Bud! We are really excited to have you over. Please give our readers a brief introduction about yourself before we begin.
Thank you for having me. My name is Harry Galahad. I was born on Earth. Current residence Charkovaya. I have a background in Space Navigation and Intergalactic Law. I was navigation officer and later captain on exploratory missions to the outskirts of the universe for my university. Later I worked as a captain for the Company.
Which brings me to my next question: What is your age and what do you do for a living?
I am 47 and I’m Head Logistics Planer for the Company. Well, actually, right now I am captain on a delivery flight to Providence 5, on the cargo spaceship Herald Petrel but that is… it is not what I do for a living, usually. I’m not a captain any longer. It is just… just… because my friend Singh can’t do it anymore. He was the captain. I have just taken over because nobody else was available. And also… I mean, he was my best friend. There are some things that are just… a moral obligation, I guess?
What happened to your friend?
He’s dead.
Oh, very sorry to hear that. Let’s change topic. How you like to spend your free time?
Oh, I love listening to music. Beethoven, mainly. Sometimes Bach and Tchaikowski. Some Jazz as well. I also… *looks around as if to make sure nobody is listening in and lowers voice* …read.
Oh, interesting, what do you read?
Not so loud! People could hear us! *whispers* I have a soft spot for Earth’s ancient literature. They called it Science Fiction, back in the 20th and early 21st century. It is endearing to see how they envisioned the future back then. Nearly cute. I mean, now, 500 years later, of course it is easy to see how wrong they were. I mean, yeah, intergalactic space flight became possible, and Earth rules the universe but… let’s not go into this further.
Alright. Please share some of your beliefs, principles, motivations and morals (can be social, religious or political or, etc. Anything that will help us get to know you better.)
Oh, I am just a normal bloke, I guess. I’m not especially religious or anything. I guess when you are traveling the outskirts of the universe and work with a lot of people from different planets, all kinds of species, you know, Blunkarians, Gathesians, Laharians, even some from Phtat’Grthak… you kind of…lose the faith that there is one true religion. I think there are some moral principles that would be good if everybody adhered to them. You know, things like: Treat others like you yourself want to be treated. Help others if you can. When in a stronger position, protect the ones who can’t protect themselves. Common sense, really.
Hm, sounds plausible but also rather generic. Perhaps tell us a bit more about your motivation?
Generic? *scoffs* Universally true and applicable, more like it. But this is your space, so I am not going to argue. Motivation, you say? *exhales* I don’t have much motivation to do anything lately, truth be told. I mean, I want to get over this mission, land that damn thing on Providence 5 and take the next flight back to Charkovaya to get behind my desk again. How’s that for a motivation?
Uhm…enough to understand you don’t want to dwell on that subject. So…Tell us something about your family and childhood.
Ah, yeah, that’s better. I had a happy childhood. My parents were great people and paved the way so I could study. They were a bit disappointed that I didn’t become a priest like they originally intended, but I hope I made them proud with my career. So, sorry, no tragic backstory to unearth here.
Oh, that’s okay. Not every character needs a traumatic childhood, although we see that a lot. Tell us something about your dreams and aspirations? Were you able to achieve them or are you planning to?
Oh, you know, I lived my life. I still know how excited I was as a newly appointed navigation officer. I also know how proud I was when I earned my stripes as a captain. But that’s in the past. Nowadays, those things don’t matter to me anymore. Nothing matters anymore. *stares ahead as if he sees something no one else sees*
What is your biggest fear in life?
I have lost the ability to be scared of anything. When death comes to take me, I am more than ready. *flinches* Oh, wait, no, that’s not true. If something bad happens to Raffi, that would be horrible! And likely. She’s so nosy! She always wants to find out. I just hope she keeps out of trouble.
Who is Raffi?
My assistant. Perhaps you should interview her, too. She sure would enjoy that! And talk your ear off. Be warned. *smiles for the first time during the interview, a very warm smile, his eyes twinkling*
Perhaps we’ll do that, thanks for the hint. How would you describe your life in one sentence?
I can even do in one word: pointless.
What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you?
*mumbles* I have lost my wife. Three years ago. On the 25th of March 2519.
Oh. I am sorry for your loss. What happened?
An accident. I don’t want to talk about it. *brushes over his eyes*
Did it change you for the better or the worse?
*stares at the interviewer for several seconds before asking* Who can tell?
What are your plans for the future?
Bringing this ship to Providence 5 with as little disruption as possible. Get back behind my desk. I hope my life doesn’t last too long.
Well, thanks a lot, Captain Galahad, for your frank answers. I look forward to reading more about your adventures in the future!
Herald Petrel
If you ask Harold Galahad, he isn’t fit to lead the crew of the half-destroyed cargo spaceship Herald Petrel back home. But nobody asks Harry.
An explosion leaves the ship helplessly floating in space and Harry reliving his own personal nightmare. He doesn’t want to be a captain anymore, and nobody trusts him as captain—least of all himself. The crew behaves strangely, his first officer is less than helpful, and the more he finds out, the more Harry has to challenge his own beliefs. While forced to relive the darkest part of his past, Captain Harold Galahad needs to figure out what happened and find a way back home.
You can find Herald Petrel here:
Amazon| Goodreads
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