In the universe, one's sense of time was always vague, especially in a chaotic place like Knowhere, where day and night were reversed.
When Kirk sent word, Sean was sitting in a casino in the residential district, watching a novel game.
At both ends of a broad metal table were spinning exhaust fans. From time to time, creatures called Orloni leaped out of them and chased and slaughtered one another on the platform, like horse racing or dogfighting on Earth.
The bizarre-looking aliens guzzled a potent blue drink, shouting at the top of their lungs with exhilarated expressions, creating a boisterous, feverish atmosphere throughout the casino.
The Orloni, which looked like oversized rats, bared rows of sharp teeth and ran on their powerful hind legs, viciously tearing into their own kind. The strongest Orloni ultimately won, thrilling the gamblers who had placed their bets.
Sean did not take part. He merely leaned lazily against the bar as an observer, silently watching it all.
Observing was what he had done most during his time on Knowhere.
Orloni were resilient lower lifeforms in the universe that reproduced at an astonishing rate. They could survive even in extremely harsh environments and swiftly form populations, so they were often captured for entertainment.
In fact, Knowhere had once possessed a dedicated arena. It had been the hottest business around, established by Grandmaster, brother of Taneleer Tivan.
Powerful lifeforms were made to fight enormous savage beasts to the death. This thrilling spectacle attracted countless customers.
The wealthy patrons of major merchant caravans, governors and warlords from colonial planets all especially loved it. The annual contest for the strongest warrior was an exceptionally lively event rarely seen in the universe.
Unfortunately, the buying and selling of people, the keeping of slaves, and the restriction of living beings'