Prologue
In the year 2225, mankind has extended its reach across the galaxy. Colonies have been established throughout Earth's solar system. New planets and species have been discovered. Battles have been fought but a treaty of peace has made trade and interstellar travel possible. In order to protect the galaxy and enforce the terms of the treaty, a special organization was commissioned that saw the people of Earth join forces with the Orions, Vanshee and Dregs.
This organization became known as the Space Enforcers Xenocracy or S.E.X. Tens of thousands made up the group and it quickly developed a reputation for not being trifled with in combat. The last decade (Earth years) saw a relative quietness in the galaxy. S.E.X found itself being more of a mediator in civil disputes and occasionally, looking for outlaws.
Such was the case for Capt. Ryan Boner. His ship, the S.E.X Penetrator, was given an assignment to track down a suspected galactic terrorist and obtain information from her to bring down the network entirely. The Penetrator was en route to Moon Base 69 where intelligence reports had spotted her in the sketch part of the base, known as The Hovel.
Capt. Boner was to rendezvous at the moon base's port and wait for confirmation of the suspect's capture. The latest report had security agents closing in on the terrorist's last known location.
Chapter One: Lila
Peering around the corner, Lila observed the three agents that were pursuing her. She pulled her dark hood over head and went in the opposite direction after seeing them disappear from her line of sight. The Hovel was the best place to disappear as it provided the opportunity to blend in with the crowd. Her olive skin would not stand out as much among a people who were always covered in dirt nor would her attire, a dark-colored robe, which was a staple of the slum's reputation.
Using caution, Lila crossed the street where the shuttle station was located. If she could get off the base, she might be able buy enough time to completely erase her trail and get the heat off her. Scurrying across the road, she ducked into the adjacent alley of the station.
"Damn," she thought to herself.
Coming around the corner were the same agents that she thought she had eluded moments earlier. They were coming towards her and stopped in front of the entrance to the shuttle station. Lila knew she would have to find another way into the building. Stepping further into the alley, she made her way to the rear entrance. The door was locked.
Off to the side was an empty box. Lila had an idea. She picked it up and rang the bell. A young man answered the door. Judging by his mannerisms, Lila suspected this was his first day on the job.
"Can I help you?" the man asked.
"I have a delivery," Lila said, hoping the con would pay off.
The young man looked hesitant. He appeared uncertain of what to do and Lila felt that he did not know what he was doing.
"You must be new," she continued. "I'm here every week to drop off blank ticket vouchers for the machines."
The gamble worked. The young man opened the door and let her in the building.
"I know where to go," Lila told him.
She walked down the corridor and when she was around the corner, sat the box down and hurriedly made her way to the platform. Lila found the door to the terminal which was right before the platform. She opened the door and checked her surroundings before exiting. She walked over to the ticket counter where she was greeted by the attendant.
"Greetings. How may I help today?" he asked.
"One ticket for Gamma Theta V," she replied.
"That's an unusual destination." the attendant said with a bit of surprise. "You do know the planet is nothing more than a shell of its former self, right?"
Lila nodded. "It's not my first choice but I have business there," she said.
The attendant acknowledged the response and stamped out her ticket after receiving the fare.
"Thank you," Lila said taking the ticket.
Turning around, she bumped right into the lead agent who was tracking her down. He was a tall, muscular man with piercing blue eyes. He felt like a wall. The agent looked down at her and grabbed her right wrist.
"Going somewhere?" he asked.
Before she could respond, the agent spoke into his communicator. "Task Force Alpha, be advised: I have one in custody."