The Optical Lasso

A creature lying dormant beneath the Earth’s crust for over 35,000 years, waits patiently to transform a dying young boy into one of mankind’s greatest leaders in a time of dire need.

In the year 2140 CE, Planet 9, more commonly known as Vixus, has resurfaced on the edge of the Milky Way... the only known planet that periodically reverses its rotation. Last seen in the middle of the Kuiper Belt in 2066 CE, it mysteriously disappeared after being discovered by a Galactic Corps scout ship. The unknown energy source enabling Vixus to spin in opposite directions represented great power which could help turn the tide in a war Earth was losing.

The Fighting Fury, the Corps' finest platoon, has been called in to conduct a search and rescue operation for several missing landing parties. Following a fierce battle on the planet surface, Lieutenant Janet "Cat" Miles, leader of this elite group of combat women, was captured. She soon found herself imprisoned with the Corps' most fabled leader, Commander Jason Cody. His name would forever be linked to the infamous wormhole hidden on Neptune's dark side; an area of space now cautiously avoided by all due to the menace which lurks within.

Paranoia raced through both leaders' minds. Could he trust a woman who seemingly had no imperfections? Could she trust a man who had vanished from sight years ago? Earth's future laid in the balance as they struggled to overcome their mutual distrust and acknowledge what those before them understood: "If you live long enough, the wisdom will come."