Meet the XK9s in Jan S. Gephardt ‘s books about a pack of uplifted police dogs. They live in a science fictional future on a megastructure called Rana Habitat Space Station. I’ve written several blog posts about space stations, as well as specific things about the political structure, culture, and other aspects of Rana.

The XK9 Project designed their dogs, called “XK9s,” to be state-of-the-art forensic olfaction sensors. They have a verbal interface, meant for handler convenience. And they’re verbal, all right. But they’ve transcended being mere talking equipment. Anybody who’s ever had a really smart dog will have predicted that.

Are you ready to meet the XK9s?

The Other Side of Fear

This prequel novella happens before the action in the XK9 “Bones” Trilogy. In it we follow one officer, Pamela Gómez. She travels to Chayko, the planet shown in the background of the video above, as an XK9 partner-candidate. The Orangeboro Police Department has contracted to buy 10 XK9s. Pam is one of 30 officers who hope to be Chosen by a future XK9 partner.

The XK9 “Bones” Trilogy

The XK9 “Bones” Trilogy tells the exploits of XK9 Rex Dieter-Nell and his XK9 Packmates, once they’ve arrived on Rana Station. Rex is an enormous, bio-engineered dog who is way too smart for his own good. Or for the peace of mind of many of the humans he meets. Once a human shows him how to “leverage his influence for a better outcome,” he’s on his way to chart a new path. No matter what.

Orangeboro PD decided that XK9s would be a great a tech-upgrade. What they really are is more than anyone–especially their creators at the XK9 Project–ever intended them to be. Or hoped their new owners would figure out. But Chief Klein is an honorable man. And Rex is a determined dog. And Ranans–unlike some cultures–don’t throw people away.

What’s Bred in the Bone – Book One

Why teach a dog to speak if no one will listen to him?

XK9 Rex was bio-engineered and cyber-enhanced to be the most capable police dog money could buy. He even has a collar-mounted vocalizer. But then a catastrophic explosion on a space dock sidelines his human partner . . . READ MORE

A Bone to Pick -Book 2

Too valuable to kill? Oh, but that was then.

XK9 Rex was bio-engineered and cyber-enhanced to be the most perfect law enforcement canine ever created. Transmondian spymaster Col. Wisniewski thought he could turn him into the most perfect weapon. But Rex had other plans . . . READ MORE

Bone of Contention – Book 3

Dogs are people too! . . . Right?

XK9 Rex and his Packmates are bio-engineered and cyber-enhanced dogs, created to be the most perfect law enforcement tools ever made. They’re so smart, Rana Station has officially recognized them as uplifted sapient beings. The rest of the universe isn’t so sure . . . READ MORE

Meet the XK9s through Bookshop! Did you know that you can help a local, independently-owned bookseller if you order through Bookshop? Or use their bookstore-finder to locate an independent bookseller near you, order through them, and save the shipping with local free pickup. If you prefer other buying opportunities, see the books’ individual pages for many more.