“Piracy is a cowardly and despicable act. These criminals have plagued our galaxy for too long; make no mistake, it is a crime that I will punish to the full extent of the law.”

--Canis Elnath, chief of Galaxy Enforcement, as quoted during his swearing-in ceremony speech.

Seti Beta Sector // January 14th, 086 G.C.

The Daedalus Base, one of the largest space stations in existence, resembled a metallic silver pyramid. The Galaxy Enforcement insignia had been plastered on each of its four slanted sides. Blinking lights flickered on and off across the base’s shiny exterior. Enforcement Shuttles blasted out from docking ports, while others entered the construct at a furious pace. Each of the starships looked like miniscule toys when matched against the space stations impressive size.

“You may be chief of Galaxy Enforcement now,” Chancellor Tharsis Tholus shouted, “but when I’m through you’ll be demoted to waste management on Alpha Four!”

Canis Elnath shifted uneasily behind his oak desk. “Chancellor, please—”

Tholus paced around the dim-lit room, running his hand through his iron-gray hair—a failed attempt to regain some semblance of composure. His attention turned to the plethora of certificates, awards, and trophies that adorned the walls of the room, all honoring Canis Elnath. Tholus sneered, brushing a speck of lint from his expensive suit jacket.

“Listen, Elnath,” the Chancellor continued, “my government paid good money to have high-priority measures taken to protect that cargo shuttle. And what happens? A common space pirate hijacks it!”

The very mention of ‘space pirate’ sent a cold chill down Canis’s back. He loosened a few buttons on his formal uniform, which was heavily decorated with medals, badges, and the Galaxy Enforcement insignia. Behind Canis was a floor-to-ceiling window, offering view of several Enforcement Shuttles as they departed from the base. How he wished he was in one of those shuttles now, instead of being stuck in his office with the raving Chancellor.

“There is nothing common about Orion Darkstarr,” Canis stated, his mind venturing into wayward thought. Darkstarr! Damn that name! Orion Darkstarr had proven to be the bane of Canis’s existence, time and again eluding all efforts at capture. The man had single handedly embarrassed the whole of Galaxy Enforcement, making them the butt of jokes prevalent on late night holoshows and a choice topic for second-rate comedians. The entire media ate it up, sure, they demonized the act of piracy, but in other, less direct ways, the media coverage glorified the space pirate’s exploits.

Canis tapped a button on the underside of his desk. At the center of the room, embedded in the ceiling, a circular projection device shimmered on. A holographic, life-sized image of Orion Darkstarr appeared beneath it, glowing in semi-transparent blue. A list of criminal charges appeared near the image’s side.

“The only man wanted in all seven star systems,” Canis began, “robbery, arson, hijacking, he’s done it all—but not one account of murder. No Chancellor, there’s nothing common about Orion Darkstarr. He’s one of a kind.”

“You talk about this criminal like you admire him!” Tholus cried, taking his sights off the hologram. “Maybe you forget the importance of that stolen cargo. Every star system in the galaxy is now in danger!”

Canis motioned for Tholus to take the seat in front of his desk. Maybe sitting would calm him down, though it didn’t appear likely. “I’m aware of that, Chancellor. Galaxy Enforcement has mandated a red alert; based on the Helski Particles emitted from their star-jump, we have reason to believe that Darkstarr’s headed for Titan. A strike force has been sent to intercept him.”

“Oh, I’ve seen how effective Galaxy Enforcement methods are,” the Chancellor retorted, standing firm. “That’s why we’re in this position now. Go ahead; send out your men, but my government’s not taking any more chances. We’ve placed a bounty on Darkstarr’s head.”

No sooner had the Chancellor finished his sentence when he held out a flat, circular device. A holographic wanted poster depicting Orion Darkstarr’s face flickered upwards from the electronic instrument. Wanted Alive—50,000,000 Credits blinked above the bright image.

Canis leapt out of his chair, slamming both hands onto the desk. “Galaxy Enforcement doesn’t condone vigilantism! This reward of yours will bring out every third-rate bounty hunter in the galaxy, most of which are more dangerous than the criminals they catch!”

“It’s too late for that,” Chancellor Tholus replied stiffly. “The bounty’s already been posted.” He tossed the hand-held holographic device onto Canis’s desk.

Canis sighed, plopping back down into his seat. “My people will find Darkstarr and retrieve that cargo, you have my word.” There was no use in arguing with the Chancellor. The man was unwavering, nothing could be said to dissuade him now. After all, Canis knew what that cargo shuttle had been transporting. It would be hard to imagine the situation getting any worst; already the makings of a galactic catastrophe were underway.

Tholus made his way towards the door. “I hope so, Elnath. For all our sakes, I hope you don’t botch this up.” And with that, the Chancellor exited, the automatic door slamming shut behind him.

Canis sulked in his chair, glaring at the holographic wanted poster. He prodded it with his index finger, deactivating the device. Maybe by some distant, remote possibility, the Chancellor was right. Maybe he did admire Orion Darkstarr a little, in the same way a skilled hunter admires clever prey. But that wouldn’t deter Canis from pulling in every resource at his disposal to apprehend the criminal. It would only be a matter of time…