On the outer edges of populated space, beyond the Galactic Federation's reach, crime syndicates rule the stars, none more influential than the Niiosian Mob. Controlling multiple planetary systems through economic leverage, calculated violence, and covert operations, the Mob shapes Fringe Space with its extensive network and virtually unchallenged authority. Ken Oda is the Mob's deadliest assassin, a precision instrument sent to silence threats across the Fringe. When he's dispatched to thwart a rebellion disrupting Mob trade, he's unexpectedly paired with his half-brother Jerrick, a fellow hitman whose brutal methods clash with Ken's preference for finesse. Tasked with either eliminating the rebels or aligning them with the Mob, the brothers must navigate a treacherous environment where conflicting approaches, unchecked ambition, and hidden agendas test their partnership. Loyalty ties Ken and Jerrick, both to Niio and to each other, but the mission strains their alliance. As they confront its challenges, every decision carries a price—blood, trust, the bond of brotherhood—reshaping their relationship in a world where outcomes are never certain. Tools of the Trade is a prequel novella set approximately 9 months before the start of the Ziva Payvan series and can be enjoyed independently.