Tripoint (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Science fiction literature |
| Founded | September 1994 |
| Founder | C. J. Cherryh |
| Products | Science fiction novel |
Tripoint is a science fiction novel authored by American writer C. J. Cherryh, initially released by Warner Books in September 1994. This work belongs to Cherryh's Merchanter novels series and takes place within the Alliance-Union universe.
Plot summary
Two decades earlier, the merchanter vessels Sprite and Corinthian were stationed at Mariner Station. During this time, Marie Hawkins from Sprite and Austin Bowe of Corinthian had a brief interaction that led to Marie becoming pregnant. She decided to raise their child, Thomas Bowe-Hawkins, aboard Sprite, though she nurtured significant bitterness. Tom grew up feeling disconnected from his family, while Marie, suspecting smuggling activities on Corinthian, began monitoring its routes.
When the two ships cross paths again at Viking, Marie and Tom seek proof of contraband cargo. Tom is discovered spying and detained on Corinthian, prompting an unexpected departure toward Pell Station via Tripoint. At Marie's urging, Sprite follows closely behind. During his time onboard, Tom encounters his father Austin and Capella, the second chief navigator who previously served as a Fleet night-walker.
Upon arrival at Pell Station, Tom’s half-brother Christian tries to send him to Sol Station; however, Tom manages to flee with assistance from Sabrina Perrault-Cadiz. Capella’s network draws attention from a rebellious faction of the outlawed Mazianni Fleet, who are interested in her knowledge of Fleet navigation routes.
As Corinthian prepares to head for Tripoint, it reveals a hidden agenda: engaging in illicit commerce with the renegade Fleet. Austin defends this as a strategy to deter attacks on merchanter vessels. Shortly after, Sprite arrives and resumes the chase. During a jump near Tripoint, Capella executes evasive maneuvers by dropping near an abandoned freighter used as a Fleet supply point. Tom and Christian activate the freighter’s weaponry to eliminate an enemy scout.
Feeling more connected to Corinthian than to his mother’s ship, Tom opts to stay aboard Corinthian. Marie, now commanding Sprite, chooses not to expose Corinthians illegal dealings due to Tom’s presence and because of her ship’s inferior firepower. Recognizing his vulnerable situation, Austin plans to exit Alliance-Union space permanently. He offers Marie access codes for the Tripoint freighter and proposes she assume control of Corinthians lucrative trade operations; she declines, and the two ships separate.
During the subsequent jump, Capella discloses a new drop-point leading to a habitable world where the Mazianni are establishing a covert colony—indicating Corinthian's role in this unfolding development.
Main characters
- Merchanter ship Sprite
- Thomas Bowe-Hawkins – junior computer technician
- Marie Hawkins – cargo chief and Thomas’ mother
- Mischa Hawkins – captain and Marie’s brother
- Merchanter ship Corinthian
- Christian Bowe-Perrault – officer and Thomas’ half-brother
- Austin Bowe – captain and father of Thomas and Christian
- Beatrice Perrault – pilot and Christian’s mother
- Sabrina Perrault-Cadiz – officer and cousin of Christian
- Capella – second chief navigator assigned temporarily from the Fleet to Corinthian
References
General references
- Cherryh, C. J. Tripoint, Warner Aspect, 1994.
- Tom Easton, Review of Tripoint, Analog Science Fiction and Fact, vol. 115, issues 1&2, January 1995, p. 303
- Russell Letson, Review of Tripoint, Locus, vol. 32, issue 2, August 1994, p. 27
- Sybil Steinberg, Review of Tripoint, Publishers Weekly, vol. 241, issue 35, August 29, 1994, p. 65
External links
- C. J. Cherryh's home page – Alliance/Union Chronology