“Scars (Orbital #1)”

“Just the beginning of the story here, what we’re basically talking about is space diplomacy. Which is sort of like regular diplomacy except that it involves really weird aliens, shooting lasers, and generally more weirdos.

Here’s what I don’t get about space diplomacy: Why do space diplomats always seem so surprised that things go to shit and they have to stomp some ass? If I’ve learned one thing from science fiction, it’s that throwing in the word “space” before anything means that it’s going to involve stomping ass. A research station? Boring. A SPACE Research station? Prepare to be attacked by some weird alien poltergeist. Going for a walk? Yeah, enjoy the fall colors, grandpa. Going for a SPACE walk? I hope you brought a laser sword because you are definitely going to need it. Opera versus SPACE Opera? Forget it.

This one reminded me a little bit of Mass Effect in that the characters go from place to place trying to solve problems. Also in that I felt like I should like it more than I did for some reason. Anyway, if you’re a Mass Effect fan, you’d probably get something out of this too.”