Book Title: THE PRESENCE MALIGN
Character Name: Claude Carstairs
While the Deep Man Trilogy (THE DEEP MAN, THE SILENT HAND and THE PRESENCE MALIGN) chronicles the exploits of Captain Saef Sinclair-Maru, Claude Carstairs forms a vital presence in all three books. Despite Claude’s obsessive attention to fashion trends and social happenings, he remains Saef’s most trusted friend, and also serves as Saef’s second when matters of the Honor Code must be settled with swords. He is also the only person closely connected with Saef Sinclair-Maru who would willingly submit to a Q&A session.
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
Ah! Family! Childhood! Both were splendid despite the location of the Family Estate on the unfashionable planet of Battersea. Such carefree days… until I moved off to Imperial City, where I learned everything that is important from my maternal uncle, Ellery Spedding…
What was your greatest talent?
My greatest talent? I have so many it’s difficult to choose… Any party I organize is sure to be a success, for instance, but I think my friends would agree I have a particular genius where it concerns fashion.
Significant other?
Every beautiful young creature who enters my life is significant in their way, for a day or a week, but aside from family, my only lasting relationship is that of my friend, Saef Sinclair-Maru, who despite his abundant flaws and a shocking reputation for violence, is like a brutish, unfashionable brother to me.
Biggest challenge in relationships?
Relationships take up so much time better spent on myself.
Where do you live?
I divide my time between the Family Estate on Battersea and my much more fashionable lodgings in Imperial City, not 30 minutes from the Imperial Palace of Yung The Fourth. Very fashionable location.
Do you have any enemies?
I have enemies without number. Have you any idea how many upstarts aspiring to be fashion leaders have dared to assert that my singular innovations are their own? For instance, how many people claim that the return of the Formal Cloak to fashionability was due to their own vision? All lies! It was my creation alone, the vile dogs!
How do you feel about the place where you are now? Is there something you are particularly attached to, or particularly repelled by, in this place?
How do I feel about the place I am in? Absurd question! If I am displeased about a location, I take my leave. Also, my appearance is always more important than any mere feelings that may arise. The only exception is when I am called upon as a second for one of Saef’s frequent duels. Despite the inconveniences, I am his closest friend, don’t you know?
Do you have children, pets, both, or neither?
I hear that children and pets both require time and attention that I simply cannot spare from my social calendar. I did have a pony when I was young. Its bad humor and tendency to bite may have cured me of any interest in pets.
What do you do for a living?
What do I do for a living? Do I look like a tradesman? My father and sister seem to delight in various financial enterprises, but I prefer to merely inherit.
Greatest disappointment?
Greatest disappointment…? There are a few to choose from. There was an unwise moment where I felt sure that bodypaint would be the next great fashion sensation. I was incorrect. It would be better forgotten.
Greatest source of joy?
Although leading fashion to rediscover the Formal Cloak warms my heart, the success of my victory celebration for Saef and his crew is my greatest recent joy. Getting Saef to any party remains a challenge, and this party was an amazing success. Perhaps you heard of it? At the White Swan in Imperial City? It was in all the Nets!
What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
What do I do for fun? I have no time for fun. Parties of any kind are serious affairs for me, as is my commitment to fashion. Lesser mortals have fun.
What is your greatest personal failing, in your view?
Personal failing? Saef has long urged me to emulate his vigorous physical exercise, especially the horrid heavy gravity work, but as you see I am not especially muscular. If I had ever developed more muscular thighs and shoulders, I might dare edgier fashions than I can now encompass. It is very sad.
What keeps you awake at night?
Nothing keeps me awake except a splendid party. Lacking a party, I sleep, dreaming of my next great innovation!
What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
The most pressing problem I have? Aside from Saef’s constant scrapes, the tedious tasks Uncle Ellery assigns me demand my attention, often far from any parties or other important engagements.
Is there something that you need or want that you don’t have? For yourself or for someone important to you?
There is nothing I need that I cannot obtain, but my dear friend, Saef, and that dreadful frown of his seem to be rather permanently connected of late. I’ve told him that his face is going to stick like that, and then where will he be? He seems too distracted by his cares to pay much attention, sadly.
Why don’t you have it? What is in the way?
I am not entirely sure why I cannot seem to help Saef with whatever is troubling him. The man is tight-lipped, like all his Family, and his tendency to call people out (swords at dawn etc..) is not universally appealing. I’ve explained this countless times, but does he listen? No! Too busy dashing about the galaxy to pay attention to the truly important things. What a burden!
THE PRESENCE MALIGN by Michael Mersault
In a desperate fight for humanity’s survival, Captain Saef Sinclair-Maru must lead the powerful private warship Salahdiin and an unlikely alliance against genocidal forces, balancing the demands of shareholders with the heart of a rebellion.
Piracy, War, and Humanity’s Last Stand
The heavy cruiser Salahdiin is the most powerful private warship in the history of the Myriad Worlds, and bears a Letter of Marque, the Imperial charter for legalized piracy. As the most successful fighting captain of the Imperial Fleet, Saef Sinclair-Maru is the ideal choice to command the privateer, but exchanging egotistical admirals for demanding shareholders carries its own unique challenges, particularly when the fate of humanity lies in the balance.
While war rages within the Imperium, few comprehend the inhuman instigators at the heart of the conflict or their genocidal ambitions, but Saef and his counterpart, Inga, draw a surprising coterie of allies to their campaign of desperate resistance, including spy master Winter Yung, former Molo Ranger Kyle Whiteside, and even Erik Sturmsohn, a Thorsworld war chieftain sworn to overthrow the emperor.
Together, in the face of approaching annihilation, they each must choose: Obedience to the edicts of their leaders, or loyalty to a deeper motivation that defines the very heart of humanity.
Science Fiction Space Opera [Baen, On Sale: July 1, 2025, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 9781668072738 / eISBN: 9781964856285]
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About Michael Mersault
Although born in the northwestern United States, Michael Mersaultspent his formative years in a series of magical locales, including expat communities in the Middle East, a secretive air base in the Arizona desert, and an Alaskan fishing village. These endless hours of travel prompted an enduring love for books that continues unabated.At times in his adult years, he has dabbled in kickboxing, competitive marksmanship, and international business ventures. He now lives as a semi-recluse back in the northwest, where he fluctuates between the paths of a confirmed technophile and a neo-Luddite.
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