The Pirate's haven

Space Station Fortitude

In the Morrigan's new mission to find allies to overthrow Ronax, the ship and her crew had made their way to the Space Station Fortitude. Located in a lawless sector of the galaxy, Fortitude was a notorious pirate hub, known as a gathering place for the lowlifes and thugs of the galaxy to offload their ill-gotten gains. Most of them were more than willing to sell their services to the highest bidder; Zav'ra's contact on the station had put Reina in contact with Arokk Reks, the galaxy's most notorious pirate. Reina, Mia, Rachel & Zav'ra made their way through the wide corridors of the space station, heading to the meeting point.

"I'm glad you're here with me," Zav'ra told Reina. "I don't think I could have handled this on my own."

"I'm sure you could have," Reina reassured Zav'ra. "But we've got your back if you need us."

"Thank you," Zav'ra smiled warmly. It had been a long time since Zav'ra had had anyone she'd ever considered a friend; as Ronax's wife, she'd attended more than her fair share of parties and social functions, but the Maaradanean elite were all fake smiles and gossip. The crew of the Morrigan were different. They'd gone out of their way to make her feel accepted since her escape, and she'd even go so far as to call them her friends, something she'd never said about those she knew on Maaradan... at least, not sincerely. And, while romance had been the last thing on her mind for years now, she had to admit to herself she was attracted to Reina.

Quasar, the bar where Reina was to meet Arokk, was as scummy and dirty a pub as one could expect in a pirate's haven; there was a bloody fist fight going on in a pit in the back of the bar, and nearby there was someone taking bets. Beautiful exotic alien women serving drinks made their way around the bar under the watchful eye of some massive and intimidating looking alien beasts. Meanwhile, the crowd ranged from pathetic, lying weasels to menacing behemoths, none of whom seemed like law-abiding citizens.

Mia looked over at the fighters beating one another senseless and raised an eyebrow.

"Think I'd do well in that pit?" she asked Rachel.

"I know I'd put my money on you," Rachel answered. "You interested in pit fighting?"

"Maybe some day," Mia grinned. "I just like it when friends tell me what a badass I am."

Rachel rolled her eyes. "Sure. Well, you can always come to me when you need your ego validated."

Reina walked up to the bartender, an attractive woman with a scar down her face, crossing a cybernetic eye.

"I broke up a fight once. Got a broken bottle to the face," the woman said. "I know you didn't ask, but everyone eventually does."

"Oh! Um... I'm sorry to hear that," Reina said.

"Part of the job, honey. Besides, I got some really good shots in on the fucker that did it. Pretty sure I broke his ribs. And then the bouncers got to him. Took him out back -- I'd have felt kinda bad for the guy if he hadn't just slashed my goddamn face. Anyway, long story short -- I may have a robot eye, but at least I'm not in agony when I try to breathe."

Reina winced, imagining the beating. The bouncers were monstrous -- at least seven and a half feet tall and five hundred pounds each. "Damn, that's a hell of a story."

"Yeah, well, moral of the story is don't mess with me or any of the women in here. Pissing off a Kruvuk is a good way to get yourself maimed."

The Kruvuk must have been the gigantic alien bouncers guarding the bar. Anyone who pissed them off had to have a deathwish.

"...And plenty of the girls here can take care of themselves, myself included," the bartender continued. "Anyway, what can I get you?"

Reina ordered a drink and continued talking to the bartender. "We're looking for allies to help the resistance of Maaradan."

The bartender stared at Reina in disbelief. "You're going up against Raxus? That might be the most insane thing I've heard here I've ever heard. And we got no shortage of nutjobs in here."

"Can you help me or not?" Reina asked.

"Yeah, I can. I make most of my creds selling information -- s'why I'm a bartender. Too many idiots walk into this bar -- get 'em drunk enough and they're more'n willing to talk."

Reina started tapping on her wrist computer, ready to pay the woman. "Okay -- how much are you asking?"

The bartender smiled. "Y'know, it's funny -- usually I'd charge, but I think you got a pretty face. So this info's on me -- so's the drink."

"Oh! Uh, thanks!" Reina said gratefully.

The bartender told Reina that General Raxus had established an imperial presence on the Kruvuk settled world of Varak, and that rumors had been going around that he had been rounding up the more defiant Kruvuk to work at a mine on one of the planet's moons. If Reina could somehow provide proof to the planet's inhabitants that Raxus was enslaving their people, they'd quickly drive the imperial forces off the planet, and Reina would have allies capable of tearing a typical imperial soldier in two with their bare hands.

"I'll check it out. Thanks a lot," Reina said. "Now, can you point me to Arokk Reks? I've got a meeting with him."

"I hope you brought credits, then," the bartender said, pointing to a man drinking alone in a dark corner of the bar, while armed guards nearby made sure he wasn't disturbed.

"Thanks, you've been a big help," Reina said to the bartender, making sure to generously tip the woman.

"Pleasure talking with you," replied the bartender. "Be sure to come back -- I _really _hope we get to speak again."

Reina approached the guards and mentioned her meeting with Arokk. After confirming, they allowed her through.

"You ain't got nothing to offer me, I got no interest in helpin' ya. Now piss off, and don't talk to me again unless ya got proof you can pay me."

As Reina and the crew were leaving the bar, a woman's voice called out to them. Reina turned her head to see the woman approaching; she had dark red skin and bright red eyes, and blonde hair. On her hip rested a holster with what must have been some kind of large dagger, and she had an aura of confidence about her few others in the bar could match. "Pretty bold move, meeting with Arokk Reks without having anything to offer. You know, he usually sends anyone who wastes his time to the hospital. He must actually like you."

"And who might you be...?" Reina asked, very intrigued by the sexy stranger in front of her.

"Shalia Klav. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Arokk. I'm guessing you're new to the Fortitude."

"You could say that," Reina answered, "I'm actually pretty new to this galaxy, period."

"Damn, you get more and more fascinating by the second," Shalia said. "Let me tell you about the Fortitude; most people here work for money. Not the promise of money, not for 'adventure', not for good word of mouth, just money. Lucky for you, I'm not 'most people here'."

"And what, exactly are you proposing?" Reina asked.

"I'm saying I want in," Shalia insisted. "Me and my crew could make some serious creds working Maaradan. Besides, you and your crew? You look like fun."

Reina couldn't help but notice the way Shalia was eyeing her and the others. She thought about her fantasy of romancing and seducing a space pirate queen and felt a tinge of arousal -- was it actually possible? Meanwhile, Rachel & Mia felt a sense of confusion that was becoming icnreasingly familiar. Not only that, but the metaphorical voice telling them to give in was getting louder. Slowly but surely, Dr. Ranu's adaptation serum's side effects were manifesting themselves.

Reina wasn't one to turn down help in a situation like this, but she still wanted to know more. "Why are you so eager? Arokk refused..."

"Arokk and his crew are the most notorious pirates in this part of the galaxy. They can take - or turn down - any job they choose. Me? I'm not so lucky. I'm still trying to make a name for myself and my crew among these assholes. I know it might be hard to believe, but we're good at what we do. Damn good. And let's face it, you ladies don't look like you have much choice here either."

Reina knew that Shalia was right. She needed all the help she could, and she had to start with someone. Might as well be this aspiring pirate queen. "You've got a deal," She agreed.

"I look forward to working with you," Shalia smiled. "Me and my crew will be in touch."