Starship Bandits

In the near future space debris around Earth has made it impossible to traverse our solar system. Or it would be, if not for prisoners sentenced to clearing that debris known as Orbital Garbage Removal Experts, or O.G.R.E. for short. Former linguistics professor Dax has made it a habit of working aboard The Junkyard with a small crew, the conspiracy theorist, tech-savvy hacker Mark and the once decorated military hero turned war criminal, Kane.

After discovering the origins of the bugs, Dax comes up with a plan on how to wipe them out in mass. To do this, they must go to the one planet in the galaxy that is known to be home to the insectoid-consuming fungus, Earth. The space sector Earth called home was once believed to be quarantined because of the species that lived there. On their way to pay a visit to one of Dax's colleagues he, Mark, and Kane will find out the hard way humanity wasn't what the rest of the galaxy was trying to avoid.

After facing down a new, enhanced Valtukta who can heal faster than Dax and his crew, they retreat to the furthest known corner of our galaxy. Saving the life of Bleeze will come at a cost. The cost of a favor to a Caretaker of a mining colony whose shiny and perfect exterior is little more than a thin veil covering a sinister underbelly.

As Mark recuperates from severe injuries, Master Decombres summons the Junkyard's crew to explore a mining ship that has gone dark. Upon arrival, the situation is horrific. Reluctant to dock and risk the unknown, the crew sets a self-imposed deadline. They must unravel the mystery and escape the ghost ship before being consumed by the remnants of a dead star.

On a return visit to Dal'no'nuuur to aid its inhabitants and get some upgrades, the crew of the Junkyard finds themselves ambushed by a Bastet intent on capturing them. Before meeting his 'unfortunate' end, Dax and Kane manage to extract a name from their assailant: Tussanu. Retreating to Tachyon, they discover Tussanu is an enigma wrapped in a mystery. This reclusive individual, whose race, age, and appearance remain unknown, invites his contractors to his home once a month to contribute to his extensive collection.

During a serene island escape, peace for the Junkyard crew is shattered by the sudden arrival of enigmatic grey men. After a fierce battle to repel these intruders, the crew of the Junkyard is met with an unexpected ally and a tantalizing proposal. Ruthnar, the envoy from the galaxy's second-most formidable power, the Ryshy, extends an intriguing offer: "Assist the Ryshy in securing a seat on the galactic senate, and gain invaluable intel on Tylira."

After Kane's death at the hands of Tylira, Dax finds himself with a single job, keep Mark focused. With the youngest member of the team losing the only father he knew, the Junkyard tech genius is starting to show signs that Dax is all too familiar with. Knowing vengeance isn't what Kane would've wanted, Dax struggles with his own past and how to pursue justice instead.