1. The Beginning of the End

The sounds of battle rang out across the planet, geyser water tinged with blood spraying out. It wasn't much of a planet to Stakar who had been to the edge of the galaxy but it contained a gem. And that gem was worth 2 million units, which was well worth the ensuing battle between them and the Kree.

Stakar scoffed at the thought of the Kree. They were big and mean, and ugly creatures- space's rottweilers. Then again he hadn't had a good opinion of them to start with, not after-

A laugh in his ear shook the unwelcome thought from his head. His wife fended off a blow with her automatic blaster, twirling in midair to kick another. "Cap'n," she called out. "Hate to break up the party but are we ready to blow this joint?"

"As soon as Rynn gets the gem we are." A corresponding blur across his holo-screen let him know the gem was safe and he retreated. In a blink, they were in the air.

A Ravager party was a spectacle, even without any bot-hookers or casinos. Laughter roared from tables as what looked like a vigorous game of charades going on. Stakar reclined in his chair, regaling the revelry. As the night grew longer though, he lifted himself up and bade Aleta goodnight. He wasn't as young as he was when he first formed the Ravagers after all, and you never knew when an ambush would come.

He paused as he entered his chambers, and rubbed his eyes. Stakar wondered whether Martinex had spiked his booze before opening his eyes again. Nope, what looked like a young boy was still sleeping in what was definitely Stakar's bed. A young boy, that Stakar had never seen before in his life, and definitely had not invited onto his ship. As Stakar stared, the lad blinked himself awake, rolled off the bed and bolted towards the door.

Stakar caught him by his scruff and dragged him back to the bed where he sat down and plopped the boy down on his lap. The boy stared at him with fear and Stakar figured he better reassure the boy.

"My name is Stakar. This is my ship, why are you on it?" There, that didn't sound too terrifying, did it? The boy continued to stare. "Alright, your name?"

"I don't have one, sir. I'm 3456998, Cell Block D55." The reply came in a muted tone, with no eye contact.

"Where are you from?"

"Alpha Centauri IV, sir. But I don't remember it. I left when I was wee small. I lived with the Kree after that, sir. I was really good at killing, sir. I'll gut your enemies good. Just don't send me back." At this, the boy gives the biggest puppy-dog eyes ever known, and Stakar muffles a swear.

"You ain't gonna be killing nobody. You're too little for that." At a glare, he distracted the youngling.

"But you can stay with me and become a Ravager. All the food you can eat, a bed and all ya gotta do is learn." When that got no protests he glanced at the clock, figured it was about right for a midnight snack and held out his hand.

"Boy, you ever tried Spgeetia? You'll love it,"