Chapter 1
Yaasa stretched out on the narrow gel bed, its embrace just tight enough to counteract the lack of gravity aboard the Dominion. Outside the reinforced viewport, the gas giant turned slowly, its vast storms swirling in endless bands of jade and ivory. It was a spectacle that had once held her rapt, but now just marked the passage of another lonely day in orbit. She glanced at the tablet hovering just above her, the screen dimming as it reached the end of another forgettable novel. No new messages blinked on the minimal console by her side-just the same old status reports and system diagnostics. With a sigh, she turned back to the window, the silent churn of alien clouds mirroring the tedium inside her skull.
Tracing the scatter of distant stars framing the gas giant, she felt the expanse of space call out with endless possibilities. She could set course for a nearby planet or a bustling station, immersing herself in civilization instead of cold space. Or she could accept another delivery job-easy credits but mind-numbingly routine, each drop feeling more like a courier loop than the grand adventures she once dreamed of. The stars sprawling outside her window seemed to mock her with endless possibilities, yet here she was, feeling every bit the galaxy’s errand girl.
As her mind wandered to what might lie beyond her window, her hand drifted downward, seeking a familiar distraction from the restlessness that plagued her. Her fingers brushed against the soft skin of her inner thigh, tracing idle patterns as they slowly ventured higher. It was a path she found herself taking more and more often as the solitude of space wore on her mind and body. As her fingertips reached the junction between her legs, she let out a soft sigh, her eyelids fluttering closed. The gel bed cradled her body, its surface conforming to her every curve as she began to explore her most intimate places. The first gentle caress sent a shiver up her spine, a welcome jolt of sensation in the numbness of isolation.
“We are receiving a call from Raziel,” the ship’s AI announced, its voice a blend of natural warmth with a hint of mechanical precision, snapping her back from her momentary escape. “I think he has a... as you often put it, real job for you.”
“Finally, something that might actually be interesting,” she mused sarcastically, opening her eyes and withdrawing her fingers. As she pushed herself off from her bed, the material released her gently into weightlessness. She drifted towards the console, the faint hum of recycled air stirring around her.
“What’s the delay?” she asked as she approached the console.
“One point two seconds,”
“So, no need for a direct connection then,” she concluded, stabilizing herself next to the console.
“Yes. But perhaps you want to put on a shirt before answering the call,” Dominion suggested, a trace of amusement in its voice.
“Yeah, yeah,” she replied, snagging a white T-shirt that floated nearby. She pulled it over her head swiftly, then oriented herself to face the console squarely before answering the call.
The screen transitioned from a map of her surrounding area to the feed of Raziel, a broker known for his sharp dress and a demeanor that balanced stoicism with a hint of warmth. He smiled, professional yet approachable, and opened the conversation. “Hello Yaasa, how are you doing?”
“Very bored. Got something interesting for me?” her voice was eager, a stark contrast to her languid posture against the console.
The broker chuckled, the delay barely registering. “I do. It’s a retrieval and delivery job.”
Her initial eagerness deflated, a frown forming on her lips. Her impatience rising, she spoke over Raziel’s further explanation, “Sounds like every other job.” She rolled her eyes a bit, leaning slightly away from the screen.
He continued, undeterred. “This one’s different. The item’s located within a wealthy compound. In 18 standard days, there will be an exclusive party there, and you’re to attend as an invited guest. My contact will place the item at a predetermined spot. You’ll pick it up and leave quietly.”
Interest returned to her eyes as she leaned back towards the screen. “So it’s a stolen item?”
“You’ve never concerned yourself with the provenance of an item before,” he remarked with a note of professionalism. “What matters is the execution-getting it out without attracting undue attention.”
She pondered this for a moment. The thrill of the challenge was exciting, yet her cautious nature compelled her to probe further “Will they know it’s missing? Am I going to need an escape plan?”
“They’ll realize eventually, but you should have ample time to leave without arousing suspicion. It would take a significant turn of events for you to need to resort to force.” he reassured her.
“This contact reliable?”
“He is reliable, someone I have worked with before.” he replied leaning back in his seat, his tone conveying assurance as well as the need for anonymity in this line of work.
“Why can’t they deliver the item? Or do you expect me to give them a ride too?” She enquired then added firmly “You do remember my rule right? I don’t transport people” as she spoke, her body slowly rotating to plant her feet on the floor beneath the console.
“I remember your rules. It’s simpler for you to attend and leave unnoticed than for them. Time is crucial here,”
“Ah ....I see,” she nodded.
“Especially with your ship,” he continued, “It exudes wealth, fitting the profile of a rich, young, spoiled girl. Remind me, where did you acquire it again?” His grin broadened, the question a playful jab in their familiar banter.
She chuckled, ignoring his question. “Makes sense.” She nodded. “And the pay?”
He disclosed the generous sum, eliciting a wide smile from her. “Wow, really?” she beamed.
“Really” he nodded with a grin at his informal remark. “I’ll forward some funds for preparations, with the remainder upon delivery.” At a nod from her, he continued. “So, are you interested? This job is different from your usual runs. Requires a bit of finesse and undercover work.”
“I’ll take it” she replied, the excitement clear in her voice.
“Any further questions?”
She shook her head, her mind already racing with plans.
“Details to follow then. Best of luck, Yaasa,” he said, closing the call. The screen reverted to its standard display.
After the call ended, Yaasa pushed herself away from the console and floated towards the exit of her room, deciding to head to the cockpit.
“Do you think this is a good idea?” Dominion inquired, worry tinting the AI’s voice. “Social interactions aren’t exactly your forte.”
“It’ll be fine,” she replied, her voice brimming with excitement as she glided through her ship. “It’s not like the mission hinges on talking my way into or out of anything. I just have to show up at a party.” She drifted into the small cockpit and settled into the pilot’s chair, the gel seat conforming to her with a comforting grip. “Plus, I’ve been working on my social skills.”
“Interacting with random individuals on planets and stations is one thing. Mingling with the truly wealthy is another,” the AI cautioned, still trying to offer guidance.
“It’ll be fine,” she reiterated, a touch of impatience in her gesture as she pulled up the regional map on the console. “Now, where can I find some high-fashion clothes?”
“The closest option would be the moon Euporie, which hosts a Galactic Euphoria resort, replete with high-fashion outlets catering to the affluent,” came the reply. “Alternatively, the metropolitan cities of Trinor boast fashion districts, too. Though farther, they might be more economical considering Euporie’s steep docking fees and other expenses.”
She reviewed the course options on her console and settled on a trajectory to Trinor. After some consideration, she decided against using the jump drive; the destination was only a week away at a comfortable cruising speed-a distance that didn’t warrant the energy expenditure of a jump. Satisfied with her decision, she proceeded with the pre-flight checks, meticulously verifying each system’s status.
As the ship started accelerating, she felt the familiar pressure of gravity pushing her against her seat. She waited until the ship reached cruising speeds, then stood up, stretching her arms. The generated thrust gravity, slightly over one standard G, allowed for easier movement onboard.
“Time for a session in the VR pod,” Yaasa decided, scratching her neck lazily before exiting the cockpit.
Just outside her bedroom, the VR pod awaited. Crafted from a blend of steel and ceramic, to her it was not just a piece of technology but a true marvel, its surface smooth to the touch and cool under her fingertips. Black accents elegantly outlined its ovular form, mirroring the Dominion’s blend of functionality and luxury. Various tubes and wires connected the pod to the ship itself.
As she approached, the lid of the pod opened smoothly. The interior, in stark contrast to the exterior, was entirely matte black and devoid of contents except for a snug-fitting visor and a pair of headphones. Taking off her shirt, she placed it on the floor beside the pod before stepping inside.
Bending down, she picked up the visor and headphones, slipping on the latter first as the familiar chime of activation greeted her. She then put on the visor, which cast the world around her in a dark tint. Taking a deep, anticipatory breath, she gently lay down, stretching herself out comfortably in the pod, the cool surface making contact with her bare skin.
Once she lay down, the lid began to close, revealing soft white lights illuminating the interior of the lid. It closed as smoothly as it had opened, leaving no trace or seam to indicate where the lid met the body of the pod. The light dimmed to just barely enough to see by as the pod’s liquid began pooling beneath her. Initially warm and slightly more viscous than water, the liquid’s temperature adjusted to such precise levels that soon she could scarcely feel it against her skin.
As the pod filled, buoyancy first lifted her, but soon she found herself sinking into the fluid as it enveloped her body. Once submerged, she took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the fluid-a technique she had found to be the best approach. Breathing it in had been challenging when she first started using the pod, but she had quickly adapted.
It didn’t take long for her to find herself suspended in the middle of the pod, as she had many times before. During all this, the pod’s lights had gradually dimmed, finally plunging her into complete darkness. The experience was serene. By now, the liquid had fully acclimated to her body temperature, rendering it imperceptible. She felt as if she were floating in nothingness.
As the visor flickered to life, it materialized the default setting she had chosen for the pods simulation: a training room outfitted with an array of gym equipment. Here, she found herself clad in attire typical of what she would wear outside the Dominion: practical boots paired with long socks, and either long pants or jeans. A shirt, and a long-sleeved hoodie draped over her, extending about six inches past her jeans’ hem, with its hood pulled up to shadow her shoulder-length black, curly hair. Gloves encased her hands, completing the outfit she normally chose for herself.
Upon giving the voice command to play her workout tracks, she began her sets. When she first started using the pod she had been acutely aware that her actual movements were practically nonexistent; she was merely floating in the pod, her physical body doing almost nothing. Adapting to the pod had been both challenging and peculiar. The fluid in which she floated, a kind of biomechanical substance, was sensitive to the slightest muscle movements. Therefore, her brain had to learn to refrain from making real movements inside the pod to navigate the simulation effectively. Speaking required barely opening her mouth, as even minimal movements were sufficient for communication within this environment.
On the flip side, she could feel the coolness of the room, the heft of the equipment, and the burn in her muscles as she exercised. Mostly, these sensations were crafted by the fluid, capable of simulating such experiences in precise, localized areas of her body. Moreover, through the application of electricity and pressure, the fluid managed to provide an actual workout. She always felt both the burn and the subsequent elation after a rigorous session, even upon leaving the pod.
To her continual disappointment, the pod lacked modules for entertainment; it was strictly for physical training, ship maintenance, and educational purposes. Dominion had explained that this limitation was intentional, to prevent potential misuse that could be detrimental to her. She knew she could acquire additional modules and install them, despite Dominion’s objections. A few times, she had nearly made a purchase but hesitated, worried about the possible consequences of such an action - finding herself lost in virtual worlds, forsaking the real one.
After completing her normal reps and stretching exercises, she punched the air a few times, feeling a rush of energy, still driven by the excitement of the job she had just accepted.
“Begin basic firearm training simulation,” she commanded. At her words, the training room dissolved into a vast, warehouse-like space filled with obstacles and targets. Beside her, a table displayed an array of automatic and semi-automatic weapons.
In the real world, she steered clear of firearms. Carrying guns often complicated entry and exit out of places unless one had the necessary permits, which she did not. Besides, her work didn’t require them; she never took jobs that needed a gun. Yet, she couldn’t deny the thrill of shooting in the simulation-one of the few she genuinely enjoyed. With a smile, she slung a rifle over her shoulder and picked up a handgun.
Gripping the handgun with both hands, she started navigating the course, weaving over, under, and around obstacles, firing at both stationary and moving targets represented as inanimate cutouts and bullseye marks with her chosen weapons. As she reached the end of the course, feeling a rush of accomplishment, Dominion delivered the results. “Your accuracy was 64.2%, the highest so far. Your previous record was 63.8%,” he informed her upon completion.
“Yes! I’m getting better,” she exclaimed with a grin.
“I suppose that is technically true,” the AI replied, its voice tinged with a mockingly dry tone.
She stuck out her tongue briefly in response to his mockery and gave her next command. “Begin basic physical combat exercise.”
Again the scene shifted. This time, she found herself in a room with a thick mat beneath her feet and a muscular man standing in front of her. Despite its label as a basic physical combat exercise, it had been designed to instill all the necessary foundational skills in the user. Initially, she had been a slow learner, but with her perseverance and Dominion’s continued support, she eventually completed the course. Now, it served as an effective refresher to keep her skills sharp, a challenge she now easily met, punching, kicking, throwing, dodging, and even disarming her way through to defeating the simulated opponent.
Even after the rigorous session, hrt energy hadn’t waned; she craved more challenge. “Begin physical combat level 4,” she commanded. This time, the scene remained the same, but three men entered through the room’s door, positioning themselves in a semi-circle around her. As she launched her first punch, the simulation sprang into action. Initially, things seemed to progress in her favor; though her first punch missed, she skillfully dodged a counter from the right and landed several punches and kicks.
Her brief upper hand evaporated as a virtual opponent landed a solid punch to her midsection. The impact sent a jolt of sharp, simulated pain through her, so real she almost forgot the confines of the VR pod. She staggered back, gasping, only for another blow to crash into her shoulder, and then another across her cheek. Each hit reverberated through her, raw and searing.
As the assault intensified, a strange undercurrent mingled with the pain-a dark, twisted thrill that curled up her spine. It was an old, familiar sensation, one she’d stumbled upon in countless hours of training and fought to suppress. Now, amidst the relentless barrage, that pleasure sharpened, growing clearer and more distinct with each new wave of pain. It was both disturbing and invigorating, pushing her to the edge of what she knew about herself.
Soon she found herself on her back, pinned down by one of the simulations. “Fuck! End exercise,” Yaasa gasped out, the words bitter on her tongue. The pain still coursed through her, now interwoven with threads of unwanted, confusing pleasure.
As the simulation faded and the figure restraining her vanished, she lay there, panting and defeated. The pain was already beginning to subside, the advanced technology of the simulation preventing any lasting damage. But the sting of failure, and the unsettling echo of pleasure, lingered long after she pulled herself to her feet. “End simulation” She finally commanded and the surroundings slowly faded out bringing back the confines of the pod once more lit by the gentle lights of the pod lid.
As the liquid started draining from the pod she felt herself descending. As her mouth and nose emerged above the liquid the air pressure within the pod subtly changed,encouraging her lungs into releasing any remnants of the fluid. It was an odd sensation, akin to a sigh that stretched throughout her entire body. The liquid still maintained its indiscernible properties, so She could only barely tell that it was coming out of her mouth and nose mixing with the remaining liquids or vaporized into small particles by the pressure and gentle oscillations of the pod.
Shortly after she was sure she was lying completely on the cool floor of the pod, it chimed indicating the end of the process. The lid quietly opened, revealing the familiar confines of her ship. She sat up groaning, taking a moment to orient herself. She felt the soreness of her muscles, and worse the pain from all the hits she had taken. Those would leave bruises. Taking a deep breath she swung her legs over the pod and stood up.
Yaasa stretched, the deliberate movement a tactile reminder that she was back in the real world, no longer in the VR pod’s simulated reality. She looked over her body, confirming - as always - the pod’s liquids had completely dissipated. The compulsive check was unnecessary, but old habits die hard.
Grabbing her shirt beside the pod she headed to the shower of the Dominion; a small square enclosure with glass on two sides designed to capture and recycle every drop of precious water.
She stepped in and turned on the water, letting out a moan as the warm water feeling soothing on her body still brimming with the pain and pleasures that lingered from the VR session. As the water cascaded over her body, her own hands followed, savoring this somewhat rare instance of intimacy she could only enjoy when the ship was under gravity.
Pausing the water she pumped some body wash onto her hands, a lavender like scent mingling with the humid air. She glided her slick hands over her body, savoring the feeling and giving attention to the more intimate regions. Until finally she turned the water back on letting it wash away the lather on her body, circling down into the grates below her feet. As one hand tended to her chest and the other explored between her legs, she closed her eyes, lost in the sound of the water hitting the shower enclosure and the complex sensation of her own eager touches and the warm water running down her body. Soon it was as if her entire world had narrowed to the slide and squeeze of her fingers, and the mounting pressure within her, a coiled spring waiting to be released. When the moment finally came, her body shuddered with the force of it, a cry of ecstasy echoing off the glass walls as the warm water continued to rain down around her.
As the waves of pleasure slowly ebbed, Yaasa leaned against the shower wall, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. She finished her shower languidly, her body still aglow with the aftermath of her release. For a moment, the vast emptiness beyond her window seemed a little less daunting, chased away by the simple joy of indulging in one of life’s most basic pleasures. Turning off the shower, she turned on the dryer feeling warm air evaporate the water left on her skin.
Feeling relaxed she decided to head to the ship’s dining area to get some food. There she turned on a large screen and started playing an episode from a show. As she hummed along with the dramatic music from the opening sequence, she wondered how much more practice she needed before she could properly play it.
As the show properly started, she selected one of the capillary action cups and docked it to the drink dispenser, keying in her order for a carbonated version of her favorite soft drink-a treat she allowed herself in anticipation of a week under gravity. She then prepared a meal, combining microgreens harvested from the ship’s small garden with a flavorful flash-frozen meal she rehydrated.
She placed her drink and food on the table’s edge and leaned back in the chair, reclining into a position that allowed her to comfortably eat her food, while watching the screen without craning her neck.
Thus began Yaasa’s week-long journey to Trinor. As the days passed, she settled into a routine, balancing her VR training sessions with meals, the various distractions the ship had to offer, and personal indulgences. The familiarity of the ship’s rhythms and the anticipation of her shopping trip on Trinor formed a curious blend of comfort and excitement that colored her thoughts. She channeled any nervous energy about the upcoming mission into her preparations, both mental and physical, gradually shifting her sleep cycle to align with Trinor’s day and night pattern. By the time the Dominion entered the planet’s orbit, she felt focused and prepared. Trinor was the first stop on her journey, where she’d need to find the right clothes to blend in at the exclusive party. From there, the real work would begin.
