Star Rust (Starborne Strays Book 1)

After years of taking whatever work he can find across the galaxy, Crix Nakato finally owns his own ship—a temperamental former courier vessel with a broken engine and numerous mechanical issues. When a routine delivery takes him to an abandoned ship, he discovers the only survivor of a family massacre, forcing him to confront a decision that conflicts with his priorities. With a nine-year-old stowaway named Izzy Garcia aboard and dangerous cargo in his hold, Crix must navigate the tension between profit and doing what is right. As Izzy's spirited personality gradually affects him, the two form an unexpected partnership traveling through space. The book explores how the value of salvage extends beyond monetary reward.