I Am Reilly: A Short Story - Ziva Payvan, #1.5

The world of Chaiavis is a lawless place. As a haven for smugglers, mercenaries, and criminals from all corners of Fringe Space, the sprawling city's law enforcement officials are consistently overwhelmed.at least those who aren't already in the pockets of the local gangs and cartels. Banished from her homeworld of Haphez due to a genetic defect, Kat Reilly has called Chaiavis home since childhood.
Her intimate knowledge of the streets and inner workings of the city have turned her into a skilled fixer. Her clients-the desperate, the powerful, sometimes both-seek out her services when conventional channels aren't an option. When she's hired by an agent from Haphez's own embassy to track down a stolen service weapon, Kat is tempted to refuse. But the deeper she digs into the theft, the clearer it becomes that the weapon is merely a piece of a much larger, more sinister puzzle.
On this job, her mission to help others becomes a battle for her own survival. I Am Reilly is a short story set just prior to the events of Nexus: Ziva Payvan Book 2 and can be enjoyed independently.