Federation, Pleasure District headquarters.
Hazy neon light streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting shifting colors across the bar's polished surface.
"You've got the nerve to charge me?"
A thick-faced pirate slammed his hand onto the bar. Glasses rattled, and liquor splashed onto his greasy shirt.
"Pirates don't pay for a good time! If word gets out, how am I supposed to save face?"
Spittle flew from his mouth as he glared with bloodshot eyes at the pale receptionist in her immaculate uniform.
"Yeah! Out of my way!"
A one-eyed pirate joined in. The saber at his waist scraped against its sheath as he moved.
"You should be honored we're spending our time here!"
He shot a vicious look at the security guards blocking the way to the exit. Dressed in fitted black uniforms with silver badges, they stood like towers, hands resting on their weapons.
The pirate captain seethed. He yanked a crumpled wanted poster from his coat and jabbed a gold-ringed finger at the number on it.
"Do you know who I am? My bounty's eighty million Beli! Move aside while you still can, or we won't play nice!"
He waved the poster under the receptionist's nose.
Just then, a languid voice came from behind the guards.
"Debts must be paid. If you won't pay yours, your life will do."
Everyone turned toward the voice. A tall man leaned against the wall, his military-green coat hanging open over a tight black combat suit. His short, dark-green hair was a mess.
Aramaki, fresh from a night of intimacy with A-Xin, let out a huge yawn. Tears gathered at the corners of his eyes.
"Who the hell are you to talk to me like that?"
The captain flew into a rage at his careless attitude. With a roar, he gripped his