Publisher's Synopsis
In the far reaches of the galaxy, there exists a space station known as Volli Red Star, a place where all kinds of alien species and humans coexist. However, life on the station is far from easy, as it is ruled by a brutal and cruel race of aliens known as the Bovopods. Kashmir, a human male, is a successful business owner on the station, running a brothel for human women who cater to the Bovopods. Despite his success, Kashmir is haunted by his past and struggles with addiction to a deadly narcotic called Yebbe. He finds some solace in a 12-step group called Yebbe Survivors, where he meets his friend Lonzo.
One day, while drinking Yebbe at a Bovopod bar, Kashmir is humiliated by a Bovopod and retaliates by killing him with his laser pistol. From then on, the Bovopods fear Kashmir and allow him to operate his business in peace. However, Kashmir's life is turned upside down when a rival brothel, run by a beautiful woman named Courtney, arrives on the station. Kashmir becomes depressed and drinks more Yebbe, but tragically, Courtney and her women are brutally murdered by the Bovopods in an erotic frenzy.
As Kashmir struggles to come to terms with the loss of Courtney and his own inner demons, he is visited by a Bovopod named Franmer, who reveals that the Bovopods fear Kashmir because he is a known killer and a violent drunk. Kashmir begins to fear himself and his own actions.
Meanwhile, Kashmir's closest friend, Claxton, a famous cello player turned painter, is brutally murdered by a group of Bovopods. Kashmir is devastated and vows to seek revenge, but his plans are put on hold when he meets a Bovopod called Strilot, a wealthy and powerful client with an insatiable appetite for human women.
As Kashmir navigates the dangerous and unpredictable world of Volli Red Star, he is aided by his second in command, Lejla, a former actor and talented computer technician with a dark secret. Together, they dream of one day making a movie together and leaving the station behind.
As the novella progresses, Kashmir's plans to take over Mini VRS, the ancillary station next to Volli Red Star, become more concrete. It is the key to his future off Volli Red Star, away from the misery and insanity of having to deal with the Bovopods and an escape from the shame of being a cheap pimp.
