The universe is a pretty big place. Most life in the universe can be found on planets... or maybe on a satellite orbiting around a planet. Planets orbit around stars. These stars are usually parts of Galaxies. Within a Galaxy, is where most things occur. There are planets where the people on it never realise that there is anything more outside their world. While some stare longingly up at the stars, others send transmissions or probes up into the endless depths of the night sky, both hoping that something might be out there, though neither might ever find an answer.

In more advanced portions of the same galaxy, there might be a vast network of planets and satellites; sending ships back and forth, sharing and trading crops, knowledge, technology, weapons, and anything else you could think of. The people of these planets have probably always known that there is life beyond what they can see, and most likely take it for granted. Every new world is a potential trading partner.

Further out, still, there might be much busier planetary communities. In which, you can find outlet stores, fuel stations, hotels, and top-notch restaurants. (All designed to cater to a large variety of customers.) Other communities are purely residential; and some are dedicated to businesses and office buildings. Those of you planning vacations might be interested to hear about resort planets. (Call your local travel agent for details.)

Each of these busier Galaxies has its own system of law, and those who enforce it. Those who break the law are swiftly apprehended, to ensure that the Galaxy is a safe place for everyone. Possibly the greatest and most renowned of these Galactic law enforcement agencies is Oberon's Superior Patrol Force. (The "OSPF," for short.) Their base of operations is a planet called (you guessed it) Oberon. You might be asking yourself if Oberon isn't "king of the fairies," but you would be well-advised to keep your musings to yourself, as the OSPF do not find that joke amusing.

But as talented and as capable as any of these galactic law enforcers are, none have jurisdiction outside their own galaxy. (Or "planet," in the case of smaller agencies.) And once you cross that Galactic border, you soon enter "Open Space," a large expanse of nothingness, with no stars, planets, law, or anything. Usually, large Ferry ships are the safest way to pass between Galaxies, because of their tight personal security.

But if you sail your own ship into Open Space, beware... "Here, there be pirates!"

And indeed, there are pirates aplenty. What better place to do whatever you want than those places where there is no law? And some might be floating around out there, a good distance from the edge of YOUR galaxy, waiting for some unsuspecting sailor to come along and surrender his loot. But pirates like ships, too, so don't think they won't leave you marooned in a place you would rather not be. They'll do it. They're bad like that.

On the other hand, not all pirates have the patience to just float around and wait, that way. Some of them still have the spirit of adventure within them. So they roam, far and wide, looking for new and exciting booty. Others pirate crews just pick fights amongst themselves. (After all, who is more likely to have lots of treasure than other pirates, right?)

Then, there is the specific crew on which this story will focus, the X-its. What kind of pirates are these? What sort of loot do they like? What has driven these individuals to the world of piracy? Where is their ship now, and where is it headed? To find out such things, you would have to venture dangerously close to them... Are you willing to enter Open Space?