Merrick was always content with his life of piracy, raiding ships throughout the galaxies, relishing the thrill of the capture and the plunder they obtained. But then a raid went wrong and cost him the man he loved, and now Merrick spends his days pillaging ships only to continue the desperate search for his lost love. When all his efforts finally pay off, however, he realizes that though his lover has been found, he may well be lost to Merrick forever anyway. 21,000 Words.