Outlaw Star

The year is 0158 of the Toward Stars Calendar ...

Humankind has reached the stars only to find out that they are not alone in the universe. Alien races abound, some peaceful, some not. Interstellar trade has been established, the colonization of worlds is now commonplace, and technology has advanced beyond anyone's wildest imaginations. In this new world, three groups vie for power...The Space Forces, attempting to bring law to a lawless space. Part police force, part military, they protect the space lanes from pirates and criminals alike. The Pirate Guilds, divided themselves, but more powerful than anyone wants to admit. Possessing superior technology, limitless wealth, and powerful Tao magic, the Pirate Guilds seem unstoppable. Finally, those known only as Outlaws. Not an organized group in the sense of the others, but rather a group of individuals cooperating out of necessity in the cold depths of space. Some seek fame, some seek treasure, others seem revenge . . . but they are Outlaws because of what they crave most: adventure.

Our story begins on the planet Sentinel III. A backwater planet in every sense of the word, it is out of the way, galactically speaking, and not exactly a hot spot of activity. Gene Starwind, bounty hunter, mechanic, gambler, and absolute lech. With his partner, the genius eleven year old Jim Hawking, they run Starwind and Hawking Enterprises. Selling their services as solvers of any problem, big or small. This includes everything from repairing farm equipment to bodyguard duties. All of that changed, however, when Gene and Jim took just such a job. Charged with guarding the life of a mysterious woman they are hauled into a web of intruge centered around a mysterious girl in a box, a state of the art spaceship, vengeful Pirates, alien races, and the greatest treasure the universe has ever known: The Galactic Leyline.