Celestial Seeker | The Stolen Artifact

Chapter 1 | A New Journey

Lush jungles covered the whole planet, and golden, sandy shores met the edges of vast, clear oceans. On the horizon of one such beach, the glass structures and skyscrapers of Polaris, The Orbit's capital, shined. It wasn't just a city in a tropical setting to the Settled Stars; it represented the crown jewel of all the Settled Stars. Symbolizing freedom, hope, and achievement, The Orbit stood as a beacon, reflecting its pioneering governance within the Pyra Cluster and beyond within the Settled Stars. It served as a vivid reminder of humanity's accomplishments beyond the initial Mars Colony following the nuclear war on Old Earth.

The Orbit was the first interstellar government in the Settled Stars. This milestone emerged when, in 2063, scientists from the Mars Colony invented the leap drive, a mechanism enabling gravity leaps between star systems. Eager to explore this new and interesting capability, a ton of government officials and scientists made the leap to the nearest star system, Proxima Centauri. There, they laid the foundation for the city of Polaris and subsequently, the republic known as The Orbit.

As word of these discoveries spread, inhabitants of the Mars Colony were quick to leap to other star systems within the Settled Stars, each forging new outposts and factions. However, the Mars Colony ensured that The Orbit retained significant authority within the Pyra Cluster. This consolidation of power paved the way for the historic War of Stars in 2220, pitting the alliance of the Comet Cosmos and the Galactic Family against The Orbit.

By 2223, the warring factions reached a truce, resulting in the Phobon Peace Treaty. Then arose the alliance known as the United Stars, comprising the Mars Colony, The Orbit, The Comet Cosmos, and the Galactic Family. The terms were clear: both The Comet Cosmos and the Galactic Family were granted autonomy over their respective star systems, restricting The Orbit's jurisdiction unless explicitly permitted.

The Pyra Cluster stands as a testament to these historical events, being the most populated among the three star clusters in the Settled Stars. Right next to it, the Cascade Cluster is separated by the massive asteroid belt known as the Stroid Belt, which also serves as a haven for the dominant pirate faction, the Kallon Rise. Meanwhile, the Desolo Cluster remains largely unexplored, its desolate expanses often used as a safe route around the Stroid Belt to facilitate travel between the two primary clusters.

The pressure of the assignment weighed heavily on Meeko, especially concerning the special cargo. However, the rumbling in his stomach changed his attention to more urgent matters. With only a brief window of time available, the SpacePort food court seemed like the best option. As varied as the Settled Stars, the choices in the food court were expansive, but the thought of CosmoTaco made his mouth water.

As Meeko approached the CosmoTaco counter, a disinterested server glanced up at him.

 "Whatcha want?" she asked, exhaustion evident in her eyes.

"Could I get fifteen tacos? Five pork, five wasomeat, and five spicy polafish. And add all the toppings, with a large isowater, please," Meeko answered, making sure his tone was courteous.

"Name?"

"Meeko."

Handing over his credkey, the total flashed 60 credits. He couldn't help but think about the skyrocketing prices, indicating the rapid inflation affecting the United Stars. But the promise of a hearty meal now, and some to stash away for the crew and himself later, made it worthwhile whatever the price was.

The server briefly looked at the order screen. "Your order will be up in a few minutes. We'll call out when it's ready."

Rather than waiting around doing nothing, Meeko wandered over to another vendor in the heart of the food court. A vibrant selection of exotic fruits and vegetables captivated him, some originating from planets unfamiliar in his twenty-five years of existence. He opted to purchase some unique fruits andan additional bottle of water, the perfect refreshment before and during the upcoming mission.