The Cosmic Derelict

Aboard the Starways freighter Lucifer, fresh‑out captain Christopher Douglas is trying to keep his ship on schedule as it slips farther behind a tight Orion‑City departure. The crew’s morale is already bruised by a day‑long delay caused by the bo’sun, Tug Skelly, whose over‑zealous hunt for a hidden stowaway sparked a chaotic inspection that cost them precious hours. Douglas must balance his own frustration with the need to keep his officers—especially the loyal first‑mate Pete Jackson—focused on the looming deadline.

As the ship finally pushes toward New York at top speed, the crew discovers that the missing stowaway may be only the tip of a larger puzzle. Whispered rumors of a mysterious message from Starways’ president hint at hidden cargo, secret orders, and dangers that could turn a routine run into a perilous trek through the “Sargasso of space.” With the captain’s confidence wavering and the crew’s trust in Tug hanging by a thread, the Lucifer’s next jump may decide more than just a delivery date.