Dylan's Prize

Prologue

Fate. It's a funny word, although it also has sort of an ominous tone to it; our lives being predetermined to some degree. Most people will tell you that they don't believe in it. We stumble through our lives, going from one thing to the next, all the while thinking these are nothing more than a random series of events. What if there's more to it than that? What if underneath all the random chance and coincidence there was something more going on? What if there was actually a very good reason every time you looked around yourself and said, What the hell am I doing here?

Fate can lead us on strange journeys that seem to have no real purpose. Many of us reach a point in our lives where we think to ourselves, how did I get here? What choices did we make to arrive at our present condition? Was this how we really thought things would turn out for us?

For those of us who experience a question of direction in our lives and a doubt in how things are turning out all at the same time, the effects can be maddening to say the least. We begin to wonder about our place in the universe and life even seems to lose a sense of meaning at times. We watch as everyone around us moves on to bigger and better things while we just sit in the same old rut.

It's the same for everyone, whether you live on Durantilus Prime or Alpheena. All across the Empire, fate keeps an even hand, picking and choosing whom it may, and causing countless millions stress and misery in the process. It's been the same way throughout recorded history, ever since before the founding of the Empire, all the way to the Ikaranite Scourge and beyond into the present day. But that's getting further into the story. We don't want to be getting ahead of ourselves. When telling a proper story, one must always start at the very beginning. In this case, that beginning is over 700 years ago, on a small blue marble in space named Earth.

It seems that people on Earth were having a very hard time getting along with one another. Everyone disagreed about everything. Sometimes, these disagreements led to bloodshed and long wars. Now disagreement by itself is no crime, of course, but when combined with an irrational fear of anyone else who thinks differently, all manner of bad things start to happen. The world started pulling itself into tighter and tighter circles. Nation began distrusting nation and high walls were built across entire borders to further increase the isolation. The Earth became a planet of separatists. Even within a country's borders, the people openly fought among themselves; liberal against conservative, Christian against Muslim. Eventually, society was pushed to the breaking point. The global economy collapsed almost overnight and the world tumbled into the abyss.

All across the planet, governments toppled. Data and power networks were severed, making the planet deaf and dumb. Suddenly gone were all the modern conveniences and the instant gratification of the cyber-world. All of it was gone. Every house was cast in darkness and every business failed. The world quickly became a very different place.

Having been further cut-off from their surroundings, the people drew even more fractured and territorial. For fifteen years the world was thrown into a dark age without power and with little contact from outsiders. Some of the closer groups sometimes banded together to increase their chances of survival. After a time, some of these groups grew into thriving communities, then towns, and after many years, eventually into city-states. The Earth was finding a way to start over.

Unfortunately, though, the populace remained segmented. They hadn't learned the error of their ways and were constantly repeating ancient mistakes. Still, some of the city states were able to put back the pieces of society to some degree. If a city was lucky enough to have an engineer, well then that city might well have power or even a functioning computer network and communication. Better yet, this vital information was passed on to some of the people around so that the skills would continue. If a city had a doctor among its residents, then the people would be even more fortunate.

Thirty years after The Fall, as it had become known, the larger and more advanced city-states were extending their influence into the surrounding areas, creating new nations with new borders. The smaller communities were either forced to pledge their allegiance to one city or another or risk being annihilated. Most accepted the rule of one of the regional city-states, the others that tried to resist were generally crushed swiftly and their land taken. Those city-states that couldn't destroy each other generally forged alliances, weaving together a fresh political landscape full of the same corruption as before.

Fifty years after The Fall, some of the larger nations started to open their scientific doors once again and the study of forgotten technologies, as well as brand new ones, began in earnest. At first, the advances were modest. A city in the north called Utichlia was able to make contact with an old communications satellite that was still in orbit. Not to be outdone, a city in the east named New Carthage launched a rocket into space and placed into orbit, becoming the first working satellite in over fifty years. Other cities began to compete for the technological edge and before long, the world was gripped in another arms race. Again the nations looked on each other with suspicion. Finally, one hundred years after The Fall, one man decided he'd had enough.

In the northwest, a city by the name of Andak grew into the most powerful city in the region. Andak had the best in everything, science, medicine, and the overall quality of life of its citizens. With a significant military, none of the other nearby cities would dare challenge Andak's might. It was as close to a haven as could be found in the altered landscape after The Fall.

One of Andak's top scientists was a man by the name of David Arlington. He was a good man who was working on some of Andak's biggest projects. His superiors knew him to be thorough and efficient. He'd never been one to cause any sort of trouble nor was he one to overtly try to buck the system. But this David Arlington had become disillusioned with the way of the world. He knew that mankind would end up living the same mistakes of the past if something didn't change. So when he was in his mid thirties, he came up with a plan.

He knew that he wouldn't be able to change human nature. People are always going to act like they're wired to act, at least until they learn how not to do so. But Arlington didn't have the generations to wait for that event to take place, if it ever did. What if you could gather all the people who were as frustrated with the system as he was and let them start over in a new place, somewhere far away from the reaches of the closed minded? That was the essence of Arlington's plan and it began to grow like a seed planted in his mind. He didn't know where he could bring his chosen people, but it would have to be someplace far away, possibly not even on Earth. He didn't have all the pieces to the puzzle yet, but he knew he was on to something.

Amazingly, at the same time David Arlington was formulating his plan, recent advances in technology and the telescope provided the very first confirmed images of small rocky planets around distant stars. Upon hearing this news, Arlington had an epiphany; perhaps there, deep in space among the twinkling stars, was his answer.

He devised a way for his dream to be realized and built an extensive secret facility. After many years of searching, Arlington found his planet. It was a small and unassuming planet orbiting a star fifty three point seven light years from Earth called Durantilus. From all accounts, it was exactly what he'd been looking for; it had liquid water and was located squarely within its parent star's habitable zone. He knew in his bones this had to be his new world.

He then set about the job of devising a way to reach his new far off home. It took another two decades, but Arlington and his team had found the answer they were seeking. They designed a new form of interstellar propulsion which used anti-matter to build an artificial graviton field that was so intense, it was capable of bending space-time itself. A vehicle could be surrounded by a bubble of this warped space and be made to move freely through space at vast speeds without violating any of Einstein's laws. The bubble could move much faster through space than the speed of light, but the passengers inside the protective sphere wouldn't be. Essentially, space would be moving around them.

Taking another decade to perfect his new engine, Arlington's team tirelessly worked toward their goals. But their work was rewarded with success, and on one crisp autumn day, Arlington and three thousand hand picked followers climbed aboard a massive vessel that was headed for the stars. Specifically, they were heading to the small rocky planet, Durantilus II.

Even with the newly found speed the engines allowed the ship to travel, it was still a long and lonely voyage to the far off planet. More than a year went by and they still hadn't reached their destination. Along the way, systems would break down and need repairing. For one particular six month stretch, the engines were only able to operate at seventy eight percent efficiency, slowing the craft substantially and making the trip take even longer. After spending over three years in space, Arlington's ship finally reached Durantilus II.

It was everything he hoped for and more. The atmosphere was rich in oxygen and low in contaminants. There were oceans of liquid water. Small patches of microbial life were detected, but nothing significant. They could be easily avoided and protected from any interference in their evolution. In effect, Durantilus II was a blank slate. It would be here that Arlington would establish his new colony.

The tiny settlement on the far away world thrived. Arlington had left plans for technology back on Earth, knowing that there were many more who would want the means to follow him to his new planet. Soon, more ships started showing up around the planet, filled with more colonists and more dreamers looking for a better way. After years and tens of additional ships, the colony had swelled into a thriving metropolis of more than a hundred thousand people. A new form of government was introduced to keep it all together: The democratic monarchy.

A king was appointed who ruled over the people. This king had great power but was unable to make any laws or edicts that violated civil liberties or personal freedoms and rights. A council was elected by citizens to advise the king and help form policy. Over time, this evolved into the Empire's present form of government.

It is from these humble beginnings that what exists today as the Durantalian Empire came to be. From this one colony; eight planets, several colonies, and various other outposts scattered across ten star systems were eventually settled, adding to the Empire's territory. Each planet a unique kingdom unto itself, governed by a king who answered only to the Emperor.

It has taken nearly six hundred years, but the Empire has become home to more than eleven billion inhabitants, most of whom reside on the first three planets colonized: Durantilus II, which is now called Durantilus Prime, Farlocke, and Heslin. Advancements in knowledge and technology allow the people to freely go from one planet to the next. Interstellar travel has become quite common for nearly everyone. Never could we have achieved so much if we had stayed back on Earth fighting with each other.

That doesn't mean that all is well, however, as things that take centuries to build are often torn apart rather easily. Even now, in the Great Hall of the Imperial Palace on Durantilus Prime the Emperor, Jordan the Third, is listening to a heated debate over the threat of the Ikaranite forces moving closer to Imperial borders.

This entire argument is ludicrous! one of the members of the Grand Imperial Council shouted to his colleague across the long, polished table. The Ikaranites intend to assault our farthest outposts. As I have already stated repeatedly, intelligence suggests they're massing near the Griseum system. That puts them just over five light years from our New Andak outpost. The man argued before turning to the Emperor, saying, Your Imperial Majesty, please, we need to start sending our forces to protect the area immediately.

The Emperor said nothing at first. Instead, he put his hand against his chin and thought for a few moments. Then, after a bit of careful deliberation, the Emperor asked, What do you think, High Lord Baksta? to another man sitting near the far end of the table, as if isolated a bit from the rest of the advisers.

Lord Baksta stroked his long white mustache before speaking. When he did talk, it was in smooth, well formed words. King Laurenitis believes the Ikaranites are planning to move against the new gate. He thinks they're after our new hyperspace technology. Baksta paused to give his mustache one more long stroke. I'm inclined to agree with him. he added.

Laurenitis is a fool. He always has been. another of the men scoffed with a sneer. New Andak sits right by our most lucrative trade routes. It only makes sense that's where the Ikaranites will strike first. Why would they bother to go after something that isn't even finished yet and won't be for at least another major cycle?

The gate is close to the testing stages, which means it might not be finished yet but it will be usable to some degree. That either scares the Ikaranites or fascinates them. Either way, they want the technology for themselves. Baksta countered.

That may be true, Lord Baksta. the Emperor said, But the gate is located in the Visari system, more than a hundred light years from New Andak. We have confirmed reports of Ikaranite ships gathering nearby at Griseum. Why would they mass their forces at Griseum yet attack a target in the very heart of the Empire?

I am afraid, Your Imperial Majesty, that I'm unable to answer that question.

Then we shall move our ships closer to New Andak. the Emperor commanded. Alert Fleet Admiral Keaton and inform him to move with trepidation. We don't want to alarm our Ikaranite friends just yet.

And so, the peaceful empire seems to be on the brink of war with another race, which brings us back to the topic of fate. The Ikaranites ruled a vast region of space. Their ships outnumbered the Empire's five-to-one. Rumor also says that the Ikaranites are more technologically advanced than the Empire. A war with them could mean total destruction of everything. So why would fate choose such an unassuming man as Dylan Largent, who was busy having his own conflicts about his choices and his place in the universe, to ascend to greatness? Nobody can say for sure. Maybe it just takes extreme circumstances to get some people to realize their potential. Whatever the case, Dylan Largent had just arrived at the next stage of his life, Station Epsilon III, which was located on the very fringes of the Empire's space. Unknown to Dylan, fate had something big in store for him waiting there. The start of the single greatest struggle of his young life was about to begin whether he was ready for it or not.

Chapter 1

The Story Begins

The light above the doors to the airlock and decon chamber finally flashed green, accompanied by a chirp from the computer terminal built into the wall. That meant it was safe for Dylan to proceed into the station. The doors automatically slid open and he was able to step out of the small room and into one of the corridors along the outer ring of the station. He shifted his shoulder to adjust the strap which hung to his one item of luggage, a knapsack that contained all his belongings, and started down the corridor into the unknown of his new life.

Dylan's mother died five major cycles ago, just after the planetary outbreak of the Inanyo Virus killed almost ten percent of the population in just over three Cycles. His mother had gotten sick near the end of the epidemic and was spared the usual quick death most others faced. Instead, she lingered on in agony for weeks while the doctors attempted to treat her. In the end, it was too much for her body to handle and she just shut down. Dylan's father, Moab, was never the same after that. It was as if a piece of him was missing. Moab would put on a brave face and muster through the days, but Dylan could tell that his father missed his mother very much.

With his mother gone, all Dylan had was his father to look up to. Moab was a good man who taught Dylan well. He taught his son the value of hard work and sacrifice. He taught Dylan to treat others well and to show respect. Moab taught the moral lessons and values needed in life to both Dylan and his brothers.

Dylan was the middle of three sons, the eldest of whom was an accomplished attorney who graduated from the Imperial Academy on Farlocke, while Dylan's younger brother was still a student who had just graduated from secondary school at the top of his class, and, like the oldest, had been given a scholarship to attend the Imperial Academy.

Dylan was not like his brothers, though. He never got an invitation to the Academy. Instead, he continued his schooling at one of the local universities on his homeworld of Heslin. Even there, however, he didn't feel like he quite fit in with his peers. After only a few semesters, he left the university and decided he needed to find out who he was really meant to be. To that end, Dylan sold everything he didn't need, combined it with the little money that his father had given him, and set off for distant worlds. Before long, those choices lead him to Epsilon III.

Of the three thousand or so drakes that Dylan started out with, he barely had five hundred left to spend. Traveling was proving to be much more expensive than he figured. He'd spent the better part of the last cycle visiting various planets, taking in the sights and scenery on each one for a while, before moving on to the next. He really didn't have any plan or order to his journey. He merely went wherever he felt like going at the time.

When Dylan heard about Epsilon III from some of the merchants he encountered, he was intrigued by the idea of a space station situated along the lawless borders of the Empire. He had to see the place for himself. It seemed like the perfect destination to resume his ongoing adventure. So far, though, that station wasn't living up to his expectations of it. It was old, dirty, and dimly lit. Some of the lights flickered a bit as he walked down the corridor toward the main facilities.

Epsilon III was a relic that was used in the previous century as a trading outpost before being moved to its current position along the border. It consisted of a large circular wheel section near the top that had two levels. A control tower was positioned on the very top of the station, filled with navigators that choreographed the chaotic traffic into an efficient ballet. Beneath the large wheel was the main docking hub, which consisted of four sections that were able to accommodate the huge ships that often docked with the station. Along the upper control tower and the lower part of the wheel there were many other smaller docking ports positioned on various places, some with cargo shuttles or personal shuttles attached to them.

Inside Epsilon III, thousands of inhabitants mingled with members from nearly every known intelligent species. Most were citizens of the Empire, but some had come from outside the Empire's borders to conduct their business. There were about one hundred and fifty merchants and traders who set up permanent shops around the station, with many other temporary residents loading or offloading cargo before boarding their ships and departing.

While it wasn't much to behold, the station did give the Empire a vital foothold in the area. Two Virgo Class Imperial cruisers were always patrolling in the vicinity and more could be called upon from the neighboring sectors if the need arose. There was even a small garrison of the Imperial Guard on the station at all times. All this activity usually kept the peace, but some smugglers and other less savory merchants were able to use the station for their dark means nonetheless, always right underneath the noses of the Imperial caretakers.

The corridor that Dylan followed led him to the edge of the Central Hub, the heart of the station. The smell of the place was sweaty and metallic and it made his nose feel a bit uncomfortable. He thought to himself that the station was more than likely past its prime when they retired it the first time.

Dylan walked from the end of the hallway and emerged in a large chamber. It was similar to another corridor, albeit a very large one. The ceiling was some ten meters high and it was as least ten meters across as well. Dylan stood at the outer end, or perhaps it was the beginning. Either way, the huge corridor led inward toward the center of the station. A straight, metal-plated walkway lined the center of the giant corridor, following it all the way into the center of the complex a hundred or so meters in the distance. Doorways to shops of various types and sizes butted up against it along the entire length and several catwalks cut across overhead, connecting the upper floors together.

A sign above Dylan's head indicated that he was located in the Central Hub, on Spoke A. A flashing blue arrow told him that straight ahead was the Central Core, where the business and Imperial offices were, as well as the local police post. Still unsure of why he was really here, Dylan started walking with slow steps, not really positive about what he would find at the end.

The walkway was thick with traffic, forcing Dylan to have to weave and sidestep his way through all the hustle and bustle. He was trying his best to take it all in as he went and stared at the sights all around him with the amazement one feels when witnessing a grand spectacle for the very first time. He would have preferred to gawk further, but he was usually jostled this way or that if he tried to remain in one spot for very long.

Signs of nearly every variety blinked and flashed on either side of him, desperately trying to attract the attention of him or any other would-be customer that came strolling by. Most of the signs were accompanied with loud announcements or music in almost every imaginable style and language. Most of the advertisements were in words he didn't understand; either written with symbols that were alien to him, or spoken in tongues originating on distant planets many light-years away. Never before had Dylan seen such a diverse collection of cultures all in one spot. Sure, he'd heard of or read about most of the races that could be encountered throughout the Empire, but he hadn't actually met any of them before. His only experience was with the ones that would visit Heslin on occasion.

It wasn't as if Dylan hadn't seen shops or signs before on Heslin. They were as common there as anywhere else in the galaxy. He'd been to many cities on his homeworld and was quite familiar with them. But this...this was a city in space. That was something Dylan had never seen before. It wasn't long before he'd forgotten all about how dingy and dirty it seemed at first.

"This... he thought to himself, utterly amazed at the feast his eyes and ears were taking in. was why I came all the way out here."

People of all types and sizes bumped into him while he meandered down the pathway. Some made obscene gestures or shouted profanities at him, others simply shook their heads at the dumbstruck man and kept on moving.

Out of the corner of his eye, Dylan caught several quick bursts of a small bright light. He snapped his head up to focus on the source of the flashes when his eyes were met with a cold, round camera lens that was aiming right at him. The lens was attached to a small security drone that hovered a meter or so above the heads in the crowd. The drone was nothing special, of course. There were literally thousands of them back on Heslin and they were one of the few things at the station that Dylan was familiar with. Aside from the obvious three dimensional imaging system on the face, it was little more than a simple metallic orb which had several scanners attached in various places and a small control antenna that protruded from out of the top. On the side, it was stamped with the crest of its Imperial unit, and was painted all over in the usual Imperial color-scheme of silver and blood red.

The burst of light was another normal occurrence when in the presence of a security drone. It was used to get the attention of a person being checked and forced them to look up at the drone so the drone could more easily scan the person's face and compare it to the extensive profiles contained within the Imperial database. Satisfied that Dylan wasn't listed as a threat or criminal, the drone gave a few quick beeps, as if to say I've got my eye on you, newcomer. before floating off further down the walkway and out of sight.

Closer to the center of the station, Dylan spotted two women who appeared to be lounging rather seductively on one of the many benches that lined the walkway. They didn't really look like any type of woman he'd ever seen before. One looked like a normal human female for the most part. Her hair was light brown, long and straight. Her eyes were brown as well, but there was something about them that was different; something Dylan couldn't quite put his finger on. The other woman was far more odd. She was like something out of the stories he'd heard when he was growing up. The woman's skin was a dark blue that seemed to shimmer in the light while she writhed up against her companion. Dylan figured she was probably part Dyniki, judging by her long, thin tail which she was able to control with great precision, and the yellow tint of her reptile-like eyes. He'd heard about the Dyniki before and it was said that their women were ravenous in bed, having both an active libido and possessing few, if any inhibitions.

We've never seen your face around here before, cutie. The brunette said to him with a sweet and luscious tone. Why don't you come over here and introduce yourself.

Dylan looked around him to see if she was possibly referring to someone else standing nearby. Who, me? he asked sheepishly.

Both ladies giggled at his innocence. Although, Dylan wasn't sure if it was because they thought he was being cute, or if they thought he would make easy prey. Dylan swallowed hard, suddenly frozen in place, eyes wide in his head. The blue-skinned woman gestured with a smile and a wink for Dylan to come closer.

Dylan quickly brushed his hair back a few times with his hand, cupped a palm in front of his face, and gave a quick breath check before proceeding. Being as presentable as he could be, he stepped closer to the two women, who still giggled at his every action.

Uhm...hi. Dylan managed to mutter, offering it in unison with a weak wave.

The brunette giggled again before replying. You're new here, aren't you? Fresh off the boat. she said.

I'm Mona and this is my friend Vixen. the woman informed, gesturing at the woman next to her.

Hey, Mona...Vixen, I'm Dylan. Dylan replied, starting to feel a bit more comfortable. The demeanor of the two women appeared to be putting him more at ease. Yeah, I'm new here.

So what brings you to our little slice of heaven? Vixen asked in return.

Dylan sighed before responding. You've probably heard it a hundred times before. I'm sure you don't want to hear my sad story. he said.

Sure we do. We like to welcome all the new visitors to the station and get to know more about them. Mona assured. Her eyes slid over to her companion and they both began to snicker as if they shared some great secret.

That's sort of our job. Vixen concurred.

I came here looking for something...I don't know...different. Something new and exciting, you know? Dylan answered, turning a bit serious.

Oh, honey, we know exactly what you're talking about. Mona said with a knowing nod.

You do? Dylan inquired, perking up.

Sure we do. Mona confirmed. What you want is some action.

Yes! That's it! Action! Exactly! Dylan agreed.

Well, honey, have you come to the right place. Action is precisely what we do. Vixen replied, her voice turning into a low sultry purr.

It is? What kind of action?

Both women broke out into hysterical laughter at his naive words. The two women each grabbed one of his hands and started pulling him toward a dark passage between two of the shops. Come with us, sweetie, and we'll show you. Mona urged.

Together, they led Dylan by his hands to a dark shadow of the spoke, free from prying eyes and security drones. When they reached what they deemed to be a suitable spot, the women suddenly became more aggressive. They pressed him against the cold steel wall with their bodies and began to rub their hands up and down on him. Vixen even grabbed his crotch, giving his genitals a quick squeeze and a rub before moving up to his stomach, and then his chest.

So, what'll it be, baby? Mona asked, cocking her head to the side as she did. You can have whatever you want, but the more you want, the more it costs. Get me?

Instantly it finally dawned on him what the ladies meant when they said action. "Oh, that kind of action... was all Dylan was able to utter. Uhm...that's not quite what I had in mind."

What's wrong? I thought you liked us. Vixen purred in her seductive voice.

I...I do. It's just that...that..I don't think you're quite my type. Dylan stammered in reply.

And what type is that? Mona asked. I can be whatever type you want me to be.

Before Dylan's eyes, Mona's hair changed. It shortened up to about shoulder-length and changed in color, from brown to raven black. Bangs formed across her forehead. Her hair was far from the only change, though,