Ziva Payvan

The distant world of Haphez is located on the edge of populated space. The planet’s native superhuman race is feared and respected by neighboring civilizations. Their military and police forces are unmatched. Haphezian operative Ziva Payvan has spent most of her life being fashioned into a deadly weapon. Trained to fight and not feel, she focuses only on the mission at hand and never dwells in the past…a past that houses many secrets.

Four years after the Resistance's plan for retribution was foiled, the galaxy as a whole is at peace. The people of Haphez remain independent and free of Federation scrutiny thanks to a major sacrifice by one of their own. Those affected by the loss have found new purpose. Life goes on. But when commissioned with hunting down a rogue Haphezian assassin, Aroska Tarbic, Skeet Duvo, and Zinni Vax find themselves caught in the midst of a war between two major players in the galactic underworld.

Twenty-two years before the fall of Dakiti, a great conflict rages on the edge of populated space. Known throughout local systems as the Fringe War, the fight pits the superhuman natives of Haphez against the sly, semi-amphibious Sardons and their allies. The Sardons' goal? Gain control of a powerful Haphezian healing agent called caura...by force, if necessary.

On the outer edges of populated space, beyond the Galactic Federation's reach, crime syndicates rule the stars, none more influential than the Niiosian Mob. Controlling multiple planetary systems through economic leverage, calculated violence, and covert operations, the Mob shapes Fringe Space with its extensive network and virtually unchallenged authority. Ken Oda is the Mob's deadliest assassin, a precision instrument sent to silence threats across the Fringe.

Ziva is good at her job, a business that requires her to ignore her feelings and carry out her missions without question. She’s confident in her own abilities to complete the assignment, but Aroska is a wildcard. When their team stumbles across a young human during a routine investigation, they soon realize the situation isn't what it seems. The boy has unwittingly uncovered a sinister plot, one that could put the entire Haphezian race in jeopardy. Now the lines between friend and foe have become blurred, and no one can be trusted.

The world of Chaiavis is a lawless place. As a haven for smugglers, mercenaries, and criminals from all corners of Fringe Space, the sprawling city’s law enforcement officials are consistently overwhelmed…at least those who aren’t already in the pockets of the local gangs and cartels.

It has been two months since the mission to Dakiti that brought Ziva Payvan and her special operations team face-to-face with death. But like any other mission, she has put it behind her and keeps her focus directed toward whatever comes next. Life for HSP’s Alpha spec ops team has essentially returned to normal. But then a Haphezian dignitary is found murdered in his private residence, and Ziva is shocked to find herself at the center of the investigation. The mark of a professional killer.

Nearly three months have passed since the assassination of Ikaro Tachi, but for some, the incident has had a lasting effect. Years of trust and reliance have been compromised. Betrayal and secrets have created wounds that may never fully heal. Ziva Payvan is no stranger to the concept of keeping—and uncovering—secrets. But when she swore to fulfill the final wishes of a dying friend, she never expected that task to include exposing one of the biggest and longest-kept secrets in the galaxy.

Four years after the Resistance's plan for retribution was foiled, the galaxy as a whole is at peace. The people of Haphez remain independent and free of Federation scrutiny thanks to a major sacrifice by one of their own. Those affected by the loss have found new purpose. Life goes on. But peace is only an illusion. Tension is brewing between two major players in the galactic underworld. When commissioned with hunting down a rogue Haphezian assassin, Aroska Tarbic, Skeet Duvo, and Zinni Vax are drawn into that underworld, a place where anything goes and no one is innocent.

A silent war is raging through the far reaches of Fringe Space. Vying for territory and precious resources, the Niiosian Mob—governed by the calculating Tobias Niio—prepares for a showdown with the Ibarra Cartel and its ambitious leader, Alastair Manes. After reuniting with Ziva Payvan and escaping the Ibarra-controlled world of Panuco, the Alpha team is faced with choosing a side in the ongoing battle between the two galactic criminals.