31,000 years after the First Space C-Ship left Earth, civilization has colonized space. At least part of it. In the Terrence Sector of Noster Space, a sector that hugs the divide, an unknowing captain sets course for Radagor, a space colony on the farthest reach of traveled space.

Radagor is populated by civilians and is the nearest prosperous planet to their target planet, Lanka. The Arkana is on a supply run to bring medicine to the Ref Colony on Lanka. This is the 6th trip this year by the crew of the Arkana to deliver supplies in the Terrence Sector.

Aboard the Arkana, Dance was fixing the mainframe.

"Dance, come in. Dance, this is the Captain." The transmitter crackled.

"Yes, Captain." Dance took a break and sat up. The transmitter hung on the wall nearby. This particular one seemed to be outfitted with a bulky addition. The whole thing could be carried in one hand, but it looked cumbersome.

Dance held a tool in each hand. An electrosoldering tool and a pair of nano pliers. He also had a one eyed scope and a micro burst light on his left eye.

He waited for the Captain to answer. After another minute, the bulky transmitter crackled again. "How soon can you get the Edict Mirror Chip setup?"

"A few more hours. I have to reroute some of the other stuff."

"Okay!" The response was enthusiastic.

Dance resumed his work. Whenever the captain was enthusiastic, it meant the mission was dangerous. 4 years ago, Dance joined the crew of the Arkana supply ship. Well, he didn't really join, the Captain snatched him away from the Edict.

Dance liked to work on machines, especially flying ones. That was an Azoic's job. Previously, Dance was part of Edict's Science Division, specifically the Azoic Division.

Back on the bridge of the ship, Captain Garalund fiddled with a small object in his hand. He wasn't sitting in the Captain's chair, but he was standing holding onto a small rail which ran along the ceiling just above him. Above and to the side of the rail, was a compartment for a gunner to sit.

The captain liked to stand there when he was on the bridge because in one motion he could use the rail to lift himself up into the front gunner's chair.

He was fiddling a small pendant in his hand. In his other hand was the Captain's Glove, which could control the ship for evasive action when necessary. He wasn't currently using it. The ship was on a set course for Radagor.

The ship itself was an old gun ship that he bought at an auction. It was a private gun ship belonging to a well-known family. He had modified it to be used as a supply ship. The name Arcana was printed on the side of the ship, but Dance was currently installing a Mirror Chip, specifically, an Edict Mirror Chip. It was a precaution. After installation, they could change the identity of the ship quickly if needed.

Garalund used to be a medic in the Edict Infantry Wing. It was there that he befriended Bus, a soldier who realized that Edict wasn't always the best side. Bus gave him this pendant. The story was that The Infantry Wing slaughtered a Ref Colony. Edict wanted it as a strategic outpost, but the Ministry labeled the colony as Refugees. Bus took the pendant out of a dead woman's hand. He had a change of heart after that.

A year later, and Bus had all but convinced Garalund that Edict was evil before he was killed. Edict only tolerated loyalists in their ranks.

Garalund left the Infantry Wing and took up botany after that. He acquired the Arcana Gunner Ship on credit and has been doing supply runs for Ref Colonies ever since. Although, that was just a cover for his other interests.

He studied the pendant in his hand.

Sundy looked over at the Captain. She didn't want to bother him, but something just came up on the ship's radar.

"Captain!" She said, after hesitating briefly. She waited to see if the Edict Windblazer would pass out of radar, but it wasn't. The Edict war ship was moving at a trajectory that they would miss but certainly be noticed. In fact, the Windblazer likely already had them on their radar.

"Captain!" She repeated again. "There's a Windblazer on the radar. Trajectory is okay for now."

"Speed?"

"Bosc 4"

"Slow down. Let's not give them any reasons to board."

"We were already slow at bosc 4 because of the wind."

"Bosc 2. It's slow enough that they will think we are happy to have them board."

Then he glanced at the Outside Interference Switch to make sure it was on. It was. "Dirt, come in, it's Garalund. Dirt, come in."

There was a little bit of static, then the answer came "Captain, I'm playing Translator, Space War IX, can it wait? I think I'm about to beat him!"

"No, it can't wait!" Garalund said grouchily. Then a voice on the other line said "Ho ho ho! Beat me? You haven't beaten me in 961 games that we have played."

"Ex-Con-1, button down the hatches!" Garalund shouted. "Roger!" Came the reply as well as a "Oh my! Ex-Con-1, why do we even care! I only move if there is an Ex-Con-6, ho ho ho!"

Below in the crew quarters, Dirt sauntered off from the game where Translator was still commenting to himself about all the different Ex-Con's and which one was exciting.

Dirt made his way to the hull, and then the lower hull. He fed the Subs and put some tranquilizer in their food. By the time he was closing the lower hull, he heard them fall over, sleeping. The hull was a large area they used for transporting cargo, and beneath it, in a hidden chamber, the Subs were kept.

He arranged some cargo to cover any trace of the lower hull and then went up to the bridge.

He got there just as the Edict Windblazer was hailing them over the outer comms.

"Arcana Supply Ship, what is your destination and cargo?"

"Captain Garalund here. We are carrying Fuel Cells, and some Dymax to Radagor."

"Captain Garalund, we are picking up that your License for Dymax expired two months ago. Prepare to be boarded." Came the voice on the other side.

"I have a temporary license, GXN-CND-X2" The Captain replied somberly.

"Captain, as you are aware, we are running tightened security in this sector. A fleet of Edict ships disappeared a few weeks ago, including a Navigator Ship which shouldn't be possible. It happened near the Divide. We are investigating that matter, as well as any other suspicious incidents. I am Captain Holland Friednam of the Edict Windblazer Maximus."

"Honestly, Captain Holland, we haven't heard about the tightened security. We've been in space for 3 months, traveling from Todar." That was a lie. The truth was he knew about the security measure and that's why he was having Dance install the Edict Mirror Chip. Unfortunately, it wasn't soon enough. They left Rangar two days ago in a hurry and he wasn't able to settle the deal with the Volatile Substances Beareu. He did submit the request, but the Bureau is slow as usual. Then there was the issue of Philliard's Black Market getting raided by the Ministry right in the middle of his purchase of the Edict Mirror Chip.

Needless to say, the Arkana and it's Captain barely made it off Rangar before the whole airspace was closed down. The Ministry's power was far reaching. And even more so since Edict often worked with the Ministry to catch fugitives.

If Dymax could be concealed he would have done it. But it is easily picked up by its nuclear signature.

"Tsk..." The Outer Comm was interrupted. "Come to a complete stop. That is an order."

"Roger." Captain Garalund was furious. He kicked the paneling on one of the walls. This particular wall already had quite a few dents.

Dance arrived at the bridge. "Is the Mirror Chip concealed?" Garalund asked he sat in the Captain's chair and held his head in his hands. Sundy had contacted Dance while the Captain was addressing the Windblazer.

"If anyone checks the main frame, they are going to leave it alone. I set it up in the Bosc Drive. Most Azoic's won't touch a Bosc drive except in an emergency. There's always a chance of things blowing up." Dance said skittishly. Garalund gave him a look that said: "And you didn't tell me that earlier?"

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

The Arkana slowed from Bosc 2 to Bosc 1, then to Mach 900, Mach 800, etc., wasall the way until it came to a halt.

All four of the of the Arkana crew went down to the hull where the boarding hatch was. After a few seconds of what sounded like howling space wind outside, theweresome grating sounds.

Dirt opened the hatch when the indicator light turned green. In walked a line of black cloaked Edict Inquisition Soldiers. Over their left shoulders they all wore the armor plating of the Inquisition Wing. The only light that reflected off of these men was from the emblem on that armor plating. There was a black mask covering their faces. They didn't appear to be carrying weapons, but Garalund knew better, as did Dirt.

The Inquisition only appeared to investigate something. They also secretly killed those who were in Edict, but had raised doubts about it's actions.

Garalund wasn't too worried. The lower hull had survived countless inspections over the years. It had a special sealant applied to the inside, which meant it couldn't be detected.

Not only that, but the lower hull's height was not significant when compared with other parts of the ship. It would not be possible to discover without many surveryors present to check the measurements of every room on the ship.

In walked Captain Holland Friednum. He was the only one not dressed in black, but he wore a red Inquisition Suit. Red indicated his rank.

The Inquisition Wing in general was one of the more feared wings of Edict, although it was lesser known to outsiders. Within Edict, it was one of two branches which was on equal footing with Ministry, a faith based religion which survived into 31 AE. Edict as a whole was powerful. But the Inquisition Wing would never entertain the Ministry, with it's various requirements for the faithful. The other branch was the Science Division which was divided but some areas including Sub Control were completely against the Ministry's commands.

"Captain Holland, welcome aboard the Arkana. Let me show you around." Garalund said. Although his eyes showed impatience and even sarcasm.

Captain Holland only glanced at him.

"No need. Search the hull, account for the Dymax." He issued a command. The black masked soldiers obeyed.

Two more people came through the hatch. One held a tool box and was obviously an Azoic. The other held a binder and was going through it. Neither of them wore masks.

"Simian, have the Azoic check the Mainframe. And we'll check the bridge." The one named Simian nodded and then instructed the Azoic. He continued checking his binder while Captain Garalund led Captain Holland along with Simian and two of the black masked soldiers up to the bridge.

Dance gave Garalund a sign. All clear. The flight record was changed. That's what the sign meant.

The bridge was empty as the other crew members stayed in the hull.

"Captain, bring up the flight record and other statistics."

Garalund pressed a few buttons, and the flight record and statistics came up on a screen.

"How long have you been flying?" Holland asked, he noticed the evasive action glove on the Captain's hand. He himself didn't use one. Very few Edict Captains did. They had a person at the controls for every function. It was unnecessary and used mostly by smaller ship captains, usually rougish individuals who prided themselves on skill. He had never seen a rogue captain who could outmaneuver him in combat.

"Six years." Garalund responded.

"And one year of training." Simian added without looking up from the binder.

Garalund was silent. "Why are the fuel cells at 55 percent?" Holland asked. His demeanor never changed. This was simply a routine check. He could easily find any discrepancies and would confiscate the vessel if needed.

"We carry fuel cells on board. They are in the hull." Garalund replied.

"Very well, we'll commandeer your extra fuel cells." Holland said as he ducked out of the bridge. Simian followed and he gave Garalund a smile. This was how the Edict did business. They taxed and they commandeered supplies whenever it suited them.

"We won't have enough to get to Rangar." Garalund spoke. The Captain of the Windblaze looked back even as he was ducked through the doorway. "You can stop at Demith." He said, with a cold glint in his eye.

Bastard. They offered no compensation for the supplies they took.

Down at the hull, more ship workers had entered through the hatch and were now ferrying the fuel cells out. Before leaving Captain Holland addressed the crew of the Arkana, all five of them. Translator had wandered down from the crew quarters and was making odd quips about Ex-Con-1.

"The Edict Windblazer is on a crucial mission for to keep the peace and stability in the Terrence Sector. Your cooperation has been noted." With that he turned and walked through the hatch, followed by the black masked soldiers Simian, and the Azoic.

The hatch closed. A grating sound was heard. And then silence.

**

Two days later the Arkana landed at Demith. It wasn't a major trading colony, so they had to pay extra for fuel cells." Captain Garalund was cursing under his breath. Sundy and Translator and Dance stayed back at the ship. Garalund and Dirt made the purchase.

"Boss, Are we going to get any Subs?" Dirt asked.

"You bring the fuel cells back. I'll meet you back at the ship." Was Garalund's response.

"Ahh shucks." Dirt wheeled the huge fuel cells away. Garalund glanced at him leaving. The man was big. An exmercenary Garalund picked up in the Triad system, a sector away. Garalund himself was pretty big, and could handle himself in a fight. It was only in the last year that he could beat Dirt when they sparred. Dirt had been teaching him to fight since he joined on five and a half years ago. He called Garalund a top notcher after he was able to beat him.

On the way to the Subs market, which was a place frowned upon by the Ministry, Garalund thought about his life so far. He joined the Edict Infantry Wing at 19 as a medic. Made friends with a soldier, Bus. Then left two years later dissillusioned with Edict. He studied botany after that, but wanted the freedom to move about, so he eventually studied navigation, flying, and the history of the stars for a year. He put down about 100,000 hecks on the Arkana and spent another 50,000 to outfit it as a supply ship. After that he met Sundy who shared some of his interests, and new more about flying than he did. Together, they hired a small crew and began to make supply runs to Refugee Colonies. That became more and more dangerous, so they made regular runs between Edict Colonies.

Along the way, Garalund's hobbies came to include Subs, which was short for Sub Species. It was a difficult hobby to take up because there was a lot of religious fervor regarding Subs.

Some Subs existed before the colonization. Some were created or mutated from the Geo-Changers. A Geo-Changer was the machine which changed planets into livable habitats. Geo-Changers were complicated. The Ministry had a tight control even over Edict Geo-Changers. It was one area where the Ministry flexed it's muscle. Edict let them have their way in this area. The Ministry was revered by many in Edict, especially at the lower levels.

Anyway, Geo-Changers had side effects. Change the air to become breatheable, and it may create storms in the atmosphere. Create rain, and other side effects occurred. Change the soil and other side effects occurred. Different planets required different types of Geo-Changers. And there was a large unpredictable variable as far as the side effects. One such side effect was mutation of a Sub Species, and another was the creation of entirely new Sub Species.

Garalund arrived at the Subs market. There wouldn't be any Subs here that went against Ministry regulations. Everything was above board. He began inspecting them as the merchants welcomed him.

**

In another part of the Subs market, a boy of 15 years old was fleeing his pursuers. They wore white gowns and there were more than 10 of them. The boy himself was looking frantically for a way to escape. He had on a simple garment, and was running barefoot.

"Stop Titanium X!!!" One of the men shouted. He was trying to use reason with the boy.

The boy darted left down an alley, and then hid in one of the stalls of a merchant. Coming in from the back, the merchant didn't see him. There was straw on the ground. The boy was panting had his hands on his knees knees wide as he looked from the direction he came. He heard the stomps of his pursuers. He turned to see if there was a place to hide.

Right in front of his face was a big pair of eyes! A Gyrendak Sub was looking right at him face to face. The boy's eyes went wide. Not only that, but it's face was attached to a big neck and it was stooped down to look at him.

The boy only had a second to think and then he grabbed the subs mouth and wrenched it open, then he jumped inside. By this time, his body was glistening in a silver color. It wasn't his covering his whole body. It looked more like silvery sinews that glistened off his skin. It started with his arms as he pried open the Gyrendak's mouth, and then his whole body changed as he jumped inside.

The Gyrendak didn't know what was going on. He didn't eat flesh. He ate plants and grass. However, he couldn't open his mouth now if he wanted to. The silvery sinew boy was holding his teeth shut from the inside.

His pursuers passed by the stall only glancing to look inside, then they were off. Still the Gyrendak couldn't open his mouth.

Garalund came to a stall with a fat merchant within. The merchant held a whip. He was a Sub Species merchant.

"Have anything interesting?" Garalund nodded to the merchant.

"A full grown Gyrendak!" The merchant replied. "Also, if wait till evening, I can show you better stuff."

"I'm in a hurry. Let's see the Gyrendak." Garalund replied.

With that the merchant went into one of his stalls in the back. Then he brought out the Gyrendak. It had a rope around it's neck.

"An herbivore." Garalund said to no one in particular.

"400 hecks" The merchant said.

"I'll give you 400 hecks if you give me 3 months of feed."

"I only have 3 weeks of feed." The man replied. Garalund thought for a moment.

"300"

"350"

"Deal."

Garalund exchanged the money for the Gyrendak. An herbivore should be easy to bond.

Before he left, he looked at the merchant. "What are you using to control it?"

"Tranq. 2 pints of Zodine".

"Thanks. This fellar looks kinda wobbly." He was referring to the Gyrendak, whose eyes were moving in circles. He was trying to open his mouth, but he couldn't, and sweat was dripping down his large pores.

Garalund kept a firm grip on the rope as he led the Gyrendak back to the Arkana.

When he arrived, the Arkana lifted off and entered the upper atmostphere. Sundy was at the helm, and only Dirt and Translator were still in the hull.

"Open the lower hull, and lets let this guy settle down", Garalund said.

Before Dirt even moved to reveal the trap door, the Gyrendak suddenly puked out all over the floor. It was a stinky mass and Translator immediately said. "Doozy, doozy, Captain got us another doozy." Suddenly the mass stirred.

"Eh? What's! Alien!" Translator jumped behind the Captain, just peeking at the stirring mass of puke.

Garalund hadn't moved, neither had Dirt. They both stared at the mass as a boy sat up, covered in gooey stuff.

The Gyrendak stuck it's tongue out at the boy and spittle went everywhere, all the way to the Captain and Dirt who had a strange expression.

Dirt suddenly exploded and jumped at the Gyrendak who ran in the opposite direction. The two were running around the large hull area.

"Who are you? And why were you hiding in my Gyrendak?" Garalund posed the boy a question.

The boy didn't immediately answer. Instead he looked around. Finally his eyes came to rest on Garalund. His eyes narrowed.

"Are you with Edict?" He asked.

"What if I am?"

"Hah, you're not!" The boy shouted and then jumped up.

Translator suddenly stepped out from behind Garalund. "Oh it's just a boy! A boy! A friend! Let's get you washed up and then we'll see if you can beat me in Space Wars IX."

"You got three seconds to answer my question boy, or I'll toss you out the hatch." Garalund said, a menacing look in his eye.

The boy didn't even look back at him. He just answered "A project, an Edict project." Translator led him away to the crew area to clean up.

Garalund muttered to himself. "Damn, an Edict project! Why in the hell do I have such bad luck."

The boy heard him as he left the hull, but he didn't look back.