Sleight of Hand: Story 1: Part 1

Near the center of the dwarf galaxy Vul, the smallest galaxy in the galactic cluster Jamala; Sleight of Hand, a 2000 meter long star ship orbits the planet Stoyden.

"18 months in this backwater dwarf, and what do we have to show for it?NOTHING!" Tutex said. The reptilian sat with four other crew members and drank a sour fermented beverage called Wyht. As the lead engineer his opinion carried weight, and his intense personality added force to his opinion. Everyone knew he thought he would make a better captain than Dractile of the ship that repossessed space ships across the galactic cluster Jamala. Dractile had thrown him into the brig on several occasions when Tutex crossed the line and lead mutinies. Mutinies often occurred on long voyages when there was idle time, so Dractile continued to employ him after cooling off periods in brig. Tutex made his value apparent when the ship needed repairs or malfunctioned or if repossessed ships needed repair. Tutex could work on ships or skillfully lead a engineering team.

"You're drunk Tutex. Why don't you go to your quarters and sleep it off?" Gail said. Gail appeared female and aquatic, however, she was neither male nor female and wasn't an aquatic. Gail was a rogue morphing AI called an Okti. She could mimic other species and appear purely biological. She preferred a female aquatic form that looked squid-like during her personal time. She had been the Lead Pilot of Sleight of Hand for six years and was completely devoted to Captain Dractile.

Chauk, Bil, and Shoyvant laughed at Gail correcting Tutex. Tutex growled at them. They were master thieves and pilots who spent a lot of time off ship repossessing ships. Chauk, an amphibian, and Tutex despised each other which was natural for reptile and amphibians in Jamala. Bil, an avian species, and Shoyvant, a cyborg marsupial, had both supported Tutex during previous mutinies and spent time in the brig as a result. Neither were willing to risk another mutiny, but they got along with Tutex and even liked him.

After the laughter died down, Tutex said, "I haven't finished drinking, and I have more to say."

Gail smiled. "Yes. More of the same. You're beginning to sound repetitive." The others laughed again.

Tutex began to say something but swung his head around when he heard Zes speak. "Remember your place Tutex." Everyone stared at the humanoid, Zes, who was Dractile's second in command. We have a big job.