Every hero has an origin story—and John Grimes is no exception.

To Prime the Pump by A. Bertram Chandler is the second book in the legendary John Grimes Saga, giving readers a closer look at the events that shaped one of the most iconic captains in science fiction. Set in a universe brimming with galactic politics, starships, and rebellious worlds, this thrilling science fiction adventure offers both high stakes and character-driven storytelling.

John Grimes, a former Federation Survey Service officer, finds himself on the frontier planet of Liberia—an Earth colony that’s decided to go its own way. Tasked with helping "prime the pump" of self-governance and economic survival, Grimes must navigate a world full of idealism, corruption, and unresolved tensions. What begins as a diplomatic mission quickly escalates into a tangle of conspiracies, native resistance, and hard decisions.

Chandler excels at blending deep space exploration with naval tradition, making Grimes’ journey as much about inner growth as it is about outer adventure. In this installment, readers see a more vulnerable, determined version of Grimes—one who is forced to grow beyond the comfort of orders and structure and step into a leadership role no manual could prepare him for.

Packed with dry wit, ethical dilemmas, and good old-fashioned spacefaring charm, To Prime the Pump is a compelling mix of politics, pioneering, and personal transformation.

Now available as a Free pdf download on Bookdio, it’s an essential free books download for fans of classic sci-fi who love courageous underdogs in galaxies far from home.