This is the story of the historic ship Vega’s first missions of mercy—a real-life sea tale complete with vicious storms, exotic locations, heart-rending moments, and priceless glimpses into real life on some of the world’s most remote tropical islands. In December 2004, Shane Granger and his partner, Meggi Macoun, had just completed a sailing odyssey from South Africa to Malaysia and were enjoying a well-earned siesta when the Boxing Day Tsunami changed their lives forever. In a matter of hours, unstoppable waves, often over ten meters high, demolished cities not only in Malaysia but also as far away as Sri Lanka, Thailand, and East Africa, making it the deadliest tsunami in recorded history. With thousands of people suddenly in dire need, Shane and Meggi loaded their vessel with donated food and medical supplies, then set sail for Sumatra to deliver aid. For their ship, the Vega, the mission was a return to her origins. More than a hundred years earlier, in 1892, one of Norway’s finest boat builders had launched the legendary ship, specially designed to sail fully loaded with heavy cargo such as limestone, bricks, pig iron, and cement through some of the world’s roughest seas. Vega soon became famous for her ability to carry loads other boats her size could not. And now her legacy would continue as she returned to actively carrying cargo, though of a very different kind. Shane and Meggi’s first mission of mercy marked a turning point and evolved into a passion. Every year since 2004, they have undertaken a 7,500-mile journey to carry tons of free training, tools, health supplies, and educational materials to remote island communities in eastern Indonesia and East Timor. To date, Vega has sailed more than 100,000 miles, delivering everything from pulse oximeters and midwife kits to backpacks and sports equipment and visiting locations few outsiders will ever see. The adventures they encounter along the way are nothing short of amazing.

During his first experience on the battlefield, promising young Psy-Comm Mark Leit witnesses the tragic death of Raven, a fellow soldier who he had harbored deep feelings for. Years later, Mark is one the greatest Psy-Comms ever. He and his best friend/partner David are huge celebrities within their corp-state of Electromedia Corp. But as they prepare for a dangerous mission behind enemy lines, it becomes increasingly clear that Mark is having doubts about the military-corporate society and his deadly role in it. It is a personality change that does not go unnoticed by David. While executing his mission to assasinate a weapons maker, employed by rival corp-state Mars/Samson, Mark comes face to face with Snow, a pretty young cadet at the enemy base. What shakes the already troubled Mark to the core is the fact that Snow is almost the exact duplicate of the deceased Raven. As a full scale battle erupts, Mark finds himself in a kill-or-be-killed situation with Snow. Suddenly realizing that the girl's own troops are willing to kill her in order to get to him, Mark makes as snap decision, precipitated by years of internal struggle.;He's walking away from the Psychic Wars-no more killing. And in an arguably misguided act of atonement, Mark becomes convinced that he can save Snow from the same fate as Raven years earlier. There are rumors of a place to the north called The Wild Lands. A safe haven, free from the control of the corp-states. But getting there will be tough. He'll be an outlaw. There'll be a price on his head and no where to hide. Not to mention that Snow is an unwilling participant in Mark's "rescue." And his former best friend David (possibly the only Psy-Comm Mark truly fears) will do anything to bring him back-dead or alive.