Part 1:

Another time and another galaxy. The planet Cutrox in the CTX-150 system had a humid and warm climate. Water covered 60% of its surface. In such conditions, large cities were easily built, inhabited not only by the Cutroxans but also by creatures of other races from various planets. The native inhabitants had green-tinted skin. Their feet were adapted to very long marches over uneven and dangerous terrain, as evidenced by very thick skin and epidermis twice as thick as on other parts of their bodies. Their appearance resembled that of large lizards rather than intelligent beings. Their elongated snouts were full of sharp teeth, which, however, retracted when not needed (e.g., when speaking). The Cutroxans were known for being very fast and strong, so few could oppose them. Despite these advantages, they were not aggressive killers. On the contrary, they treated other races with friendliness and didn't start fights, but they were capable of defending themselves. They weren't the most intelligent race, but neither could they be called underdeveloped. When aliens from the galactic center arrived on their planet, they quickly adopted new technology and adapted to the new conditions.

Their cities were impressive, even though they didn't use the latest construction techniques. Tall, imposing buildings towered over Cutrox's main city, Bolitex. Between these towering structures were smaller, more austere buildings, containing small cafes and various establishments. It was in one of these small cafes that the adventure of a certain captain and his family began.

A cafe like any other in the area. A narrow passageway ran along the long bar counter from the door to the opposite wall, which housed old, worn-out holophone systems. Opposite the bar were a few tables and chairs. The room wasn't very busy. Several Cutroxans and a Cutroxan were standing, drinking some purple beverage. At one of the tables, a man sat, or rather slept, after two bottles of local alcohol. From his clothing, he was a lieutenant in the galactic fleet. The official uniform of the soldiers was a solid navy blue, with the fleet symbol on the chest, and beneath it a mini ID badge with his name and identification number, and on his arm were symbols denoting rank.

At another table, sat a man in a black cloak that covered him from shoulders almost to the ground. His name was Xiros Slim. Underneath, he hid his fleet uniform. He was a Terran, meaning he was no different in physique from a human, but his mental abilities surpassed them. From the symbols on his arm, he was a general. Tall, with dark hair, blue eyes, and a pleasant beard—as his wife called him. He sat and read the latest information on his handheld communicator, which displayed the latest news from around the world in front of him via a hologram.

At some point, a Cutroxan entered the bar. He glanced around the room and, seeing Xiros sitting at a table in the corner, approached him.

"What are you reading?" Slim asked

, shifting his gaze to the newcomer and smiling.

"Hello, friend! What can I order for you? Maybe something stronger for the incense this time?" the general asked, though he already knew the answer.

"No, thanks, Slim," and he nodded to the bartender. "The usual," the Cutroxan shouted, turning to his friend.

"Tell me, Dron, how are you?" Xiros asked

. "Fine. I have a family and I'm happy, but that's not why I asked you out here. I'm talking about those rumors. You know which ones?"

The bartender brought Dron his order and quickly left.

"You know, there are a lot of rumors circulating online all the time," Slim teased Dron, though he knew perfectly well what they were talking about.

"Yeah, about the new engine." Apparently, some mad scientist on Disus 5 has constructed a prototype intergalactic engine? Is that true?

Slim sat silently for a moment. But finally he said,

"This is classified fleet information." He paused. "I shouldn't say this, but you're my friend, so I'll tell you something: we don't have full information on this either, but from what we've managed to gather, it's true. But we're not to tell anyone, is that clear!?

" "Yes, sir!" Dron said, and then pathetically resolved himself. This made Slim laugh, but this was a serious matter, and they both knew it. Suddenly, Xiros's communicator blinked, and where the information had been, appeared the figure of his superior, Grand Master Yogi. Slim immediately turned serious and saluted properly. "

Xiros, return to Cerus immediately. I'm calling an emergency meeting of my commanders-in-chief," Yogi said.

"Yes, sir." I'll take the fleet and return immediately," Slim replied

. "No. The fleet remains. Choose a replacement and return in the fastest ship you have.

" "But, Master...

" "No buts. You have to be here in two days at the latest, understood?"

"Yes, Master..." Xiros replied with dissatisfaction. "I'll be leaving immediately

." "Good. See you at the meeting." Yogi replied, and then the hologram disappeared.

"I have to go. I'll see you later when I get back from Cerus. See you later," Slim said to Dron and stood up.

"I'll definitely see you again. Have a nice flight." Dron said goodbye to his friend.