The Venality Effect

The most powerful organised crime families are under siege. Unknown assailants are targeting powerful crime syndicates throughout the Carina Region. Suspecting that high ranking officials in the Interstellar Colonial Administration are involved, Commissioner Charles Rathau hires private investigator Ellie Reece to investigate. Ellie begins her investigation and quickly finds herself hindered by legalities and a lack of verifiable evidence. A witness eventually leads her to seek assistance from Harrison Carver, the leader of a powerful organised crime syndicate who also has a vested interest in the killings. The alliance with Carver enables Ellie access to resources and information inaccessible to law enforcement agencies. The asking price for this assistance—information. With Carver's backing, Ellie embarks on a quest that will take her into the dark underbelly of four star systems. Time runs short and Ellie's 'second' client comes under threat. Is this a gang war? The assailants are near undetectable, except for the fact they are using weapons and equipment right off I.C.A inventories. Ellie digs deeper and soon uncovers a conspiracy far, far worse than what the Commissioner fears. A conspiracy that has the potential to effect entire worlds and the lives of billions...