The Vesta Conspiracy

Space Corps field agent Elfrida Goto has been banished to the boondocks of the asteroid belt. The University of Vesta is the most prestigious college in the Belt (which isn't saying much). It's also a hotbed of student activism. An unpopular interloper on campus, Elfrida struggles against turbulent opposition to further space colonization. But when the violent theft of university data plunges the campus into a stand-off, Elfrida is the only one with a hope of finding the thieves. She launches a one-woman investigation that leads her into a hidden maze of crime and greed. In an unlikely alliance with a timid data analyst and a hermaphroditic sexbot, Elfrida sets out on a perilous journey across the surface of the massive asteroid. She must expose the grotesque truth behind the Vesta conspiracy, before it destroys thousands of lives ... including hers. Interview with the Author Q: What makes the Interplanetary War series unique? A: I set out to write the kind of series I want to read. I love space opera! This series takes place in the 23rd century, which is an interesting period: it's neither the day after tomorrow, nor a distant future where technology is indistinguishable from magic. In the universe of the Space Corps novels, all the technology is extrapolated from what we have today. That said, my focus is on the characters, and I think that it's the characters who make this series unique. Elfrida Goto is a good-intentioned heroine who is basically very decent, while retaining the ability to laugh at herself. The other characters range from the holy to the downright slimy. I'm an optimist about space colonization, so I designed the series to portray a future that's realistic and achievable-while delivering action-packed twists and quite a few laughs. Q. You live in Tokyo. Has this influenced your stories? A. Yes, undoubtedly. After 15 years here, I know that I will never, ever understand the Japanese (laughs). But I still went ahead and made Elfrida Goto half-Japanese, and several of the supporting characters in the series are also Japanese. On the other hand, part of the background to the Interplanetary War series is that Mt. Fuji erupted and destroyed Tokyo. I swear that's not wish fulfillment! Q: What order should I read the books of the Interplanetary War series in? A: Any order. Chronologically, they take place in this order: 1.Crapkiller (forthcoming) 2.The Galapagos Incident 3.The Vesta Conspiracy 4.The Mercury Uprising (forthcoming) I designed each book as a self-contained story, so there are no loose ends, and each one can be read on its own. Q: So, why should readers pick up this series? A: Because each book is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that will keep you turning the pages well into the night. As a bonus, if you don't laugh at least once, I will personally refund your purchase price. That's a promise! Ultimately, readers who love space opera and exhilarating sci-fi action will get a thrill out of this series.