An asteroid field of shifting wreckage. An ancient outpost of alien glyphs. One legendary pilot to guide them through. Before the gates could be unlocked, one pilot had to show them the way.Captain Darby Volkmann was once known as Blue Flight Leader-a name spoken with respect by every pilot who'd ever seen him fly. But fame was never his goal. Calm, steady, and humble, Darby lived for one thing: getting his crew home.Now, when cadets Richard, Ashton, Dooley, Milo, and their AI companion Whizzy are assigned to a dangerous mission into the Drift, Darby steps in as their guide. The Drift is no ordinary asteroid field. It's a shifting maze of wreckage and alien ruins, where collapsing passages and deadly gravity pockets can crush even the best ships.What begins as a daring test of flying skill quickly becomes a fight for survival. Along the way, the cadets must grow in ways no classroom ever prepared them for: Richard learns that leadership means trust, not control.Ashton discovers instinct is sometimes sharper than numbers.Dooley finds courage in lifting others, not just joking.Milo proves himself in the heat of the mission, steadying the ship when all seemed lost.And together, they uncover something more-an alien key hidden in glowing glyphs, a secret that will send Earth Command back to the Moon Phasegate and ignite the greatest mystery yet.Blue Leader - The Flight of Captain Darby Volkmann is a thrilling bridge between the early Space Cadet Richard adventures and the beginning of the Phasegate saga. Packed with danger, discovery, humor, and heart, it's an unforgettable story of mentorship, courage, and the rhythm of flight. ✅ Perfect for readers who love clean, adventurous sci-fi.✅ A one-of-a-kind bridge volume in the Space Cadet Richard series.✅ Filled with teamwork, heart, and a discovery that changes everything.