Chapter One

On the small planet of Kittcell, which had fooled space travelers for centuries into thinking that it was a second star that orbited the red giant of the large thirteen-planet solar system. Three individuals were sitting in a small dimly lit, smoke filled room at a table covered with half empty plates of food.

Kurtis Star, a six-foot three inches tall man with sandy-brown hair that spilled over his shoulders, was the successful captain of the space freighter Shootingstar. With him are his best friends, co-pilot Dudkhundi, and Navigator Sintara Atear. Dudkhundi is a massive six foot nine inch individual from the planet Za'faren. This hulking giant possesses the strength and power of ten ordinary men, and is valued greatly by his captain. Sintara Atear, beautiful, intelligent, dedicated, woman of immeasurable value to her captain not only as navigator, but to be looked upon with reverence. 

Her dark brown hair that flowed gracefully to her waist enraptured all who viewed the five feet, seven-inch beauty, but none more so than Kurtis Star. The three were deep into a discussion of the flight plan for the shipment of Norcom, 

a very valuable substance.

"Sintara, how long do you estimate, it will take to get from Kittcell to Alphabenjera?" Kurtis asked.

"Well Kurtis, if my calculations are correct, about five hours.” Replied Sintara.

"Good, the faster the better. I don't want the Mycellexian to find out we have the stuff. If we have to dump this load I won’t be able to repay Lindex for that load we lost and he'll have my hide on the wall." Kurtis replied with more relief than he really intended to reveal.

 "Well, what are we waiting for, let's get loaded and get underway.” Dudkhundi stated enthusiastically.

 "The check is what we're waiting for.” Sintara sneered with sarcasm.

 "You two get back to the ship and get things moving there, and I'll take care of things here. I'll catch up with you at the hanger. I have some unfinished business to attend to over at the bar with Largon.” Kurtis said as he was already headed in that direction.

"Okay, Kurtis, See you later." both Sintara and Dudkhundi replied at the same time.