Lovestruck Maggot

The planet Kalderra is known for several things. An oversized, violet moon. Strange forests comprised of the rarest, most magnificent trees in the galaxy. And kameeba, bizarre creatures whose scavenged parts can extend lives and power worlds.

Mona “Ripper” Ripple is a Maggot—responsible for harvesting the volatile, prized remains of recently deceased kameeba. As leader of the elite Karcass Five unit, Mona is the best Maggot that Kalderra has ever known. Tough and ill-tempered, she’s also on the far side of forty—with all the scars and wrinkles and terrible memories to match.

Mona Ripple is also in love.

Smitten by a handsome recruit named Darien Vance, Mona revels in finally having something beautiful to call her own. As young Darien sleeps in her arms, Mona prepares for their eventual planetary exit… together.

Unfortunately, Mona’s plans unravel when Darien catches the crimson eye of the reviled Countess Desma Ghool, who adds him to her revolving collection of unwilling paramours.

Enraged, Mona sets out on a dangerous mission to liberate Darien from Ghool, a key figure in the galaxy’s ruling Morishita Syndicate, requiring her to forge an unwanted partnership with a notorious Space Cowboy named Mickie Brass.

Together, the improbable pair embark on a perilous journey that goes beyond mere rescue operation, revealing the twisted history of the planet, the vital role of the kameeba, the horrifying intentions of the native Kalderrans, and what it truly means to be lovestruck.