The vast expanse of space stretched out before Jaeden Kross as he stood on the bridge of his ship, the Astral Voyager. Stars twinkled like distant diamonds, each one a potential destination, each one a potential opportunity. At twenty-five, Jaeden had the bold ambition of founding his own nation among the stars, a sanctuary for those who sought freedom and new beginnings. But such a dream required resources, allies, and above all, a lot of credits.

Jaeden had started with nothing. An orphan from a forgotten mining colony on the fringes of known space, he had spent his early years scavenging and learning the ins and outs of starships. The Astral Voyager was his pride and joy, a sleek, nimble frigate he had painstakingly salvaged and rebuilt from the bones of derelict vessels. Now, it was his home and his means to traverse the universe in search of his destiny.

As he plotted a course to the nearest space station, his mind raced with plans. There were rumors of a lucrative contract in the region—an asteroid belt rich with rare minerals. If he could secure the mining rights, it would be a significant step toward funding his vision. But Jaeden knew well that space was rife with competition and danger.