As Lasse lead Eirik through the smuggler station, towards the bar, Eirik noticed the large variety in the patrons milling about the station. Terran's Kloxna, Plyxii, N'amlei, even a couple of the elusive Tiallur, the being, as always, hooded when out in public. Only other Tiallur knew the true look of their species as they took great care to wrap themselves completely up before leaving their dwelling or when having guests over.

"I see you have been busy. How come the war is not affecting the Kloxna and Terran's here??" He asked Lasse.

"They know that breaking the peace on my station is bad for business. Usually, their free trial of life suddenly expires" Lasse replied with a hearty laugh which Eirik joined in on.

"Despite his failings, the old man has a good head on his shoulders. It warms my heart that he sent you out here. At least I am going to have a safe haven here."

"Always brother. But perhaps you could have more than that..."

"What do you mean, Lasse??"

"I mean, you could use this as a permanent base of operations. set yourself down as a Warlord in this area. Truly live the legends of old."

This had Eirik walking in silent thought for quite a while. Finally, he said, "As much as I would love that brother, it would not be right. But, what I CAN do, is set up a base of operations for a mercenary army for hire. Make it legitimate through the Terran government. Rigorous screening and testing for applicants, of course."

Now it was Lasse's turn to be silent. After a short while, he nodded and spoke. "That would be better. Freedom of choice, security of our own army."

The rest of their trip was done in silence, both of them thinking hard.

As they came up to the bar and went inside, Eirik sent a message to Jesper, telling him to come to the bar and bring a few of the pack members. It never hurt to be prudent and you never knew with information brokers, Especially considering Eiriks's situation.

Inside was the sleazy atmosphere you would expect of a smuggler station bar. Questionable sentients occupied most of the tables and chairs, but a table in the back corner was clear.

"My table. They keep it clear for me at all times" Lasse said in a nonchalant tone of voice as he walked through the dim-lit room.

They had barely sat down before 2 beers appeared, attached to a bartender that put them on the table without a word. "You got actual beer from back home?" Eirik was pleasantly surprised as he recognized the golden, foamy, liquid in the glass.

"What did you expect??" His brother laughed as he lifted the glass to his mouth and drank deeply from the glass.

Eirik followed suit and as they both put down their glasses, a Tiallur was standing at the table.

Eirik cocked an eyebrow at his brother and got a nod in return. kicking out a chair for the Tiallur to sit on, he straightened up in his chair.

"What do you wish to know?" The robotic voice that all Tiallur translators have rang out towards Eirik.

"I seek information on a Kloxna named Tai'Tanu. I wish to know everything about her. Extended family, economic situation, holdings, and properties, troops under her command, her standing in their society. In short, whatever you can dig up on her, I am willing to purchase."

"Every data transfer will contain a list of information inside the data package and a price tag. The decryption key for the information package will be sent once the price has been paid in full. The option to decline a package is available. How do I contact you??" The Tiallur was efficient and straight to the point.

Putting a hand on his brother's shoulder, Eirik replied "My brother here, commander of this station, will facilitate contact between us when needed."

"And how much are you willing to pay to keep YOUR secrets, Captain Eirik?" The Tiallur froze as a gun was pressed into the back of its head and Jesper whispered in its ear "How about you get to keep your life??"

".........An acceptable price.:" Not even the robotic translation could hide the fear in the Tiallur's voice. As the gun was removed, Eirik smiled. "I am glad we understand each other. Now, how about you spread the word. If you leave me alone, I leave you alone. If not, you die. simple" The smiler never left Eirik's face as he spoke and the frightened creature in at the other side of the table nodded hurriedly before all but sprinting away.

"I guess that takes care of one of my problems. What about recruits??"

"They are set to show up tomorrow at the security booth. I thought it safer to let them think it was for station security. that way, you can tell them yourself and no trap has been planned."

"That's pretty smart. Gotta remember that one. Any more brokers coming??"

"3 more, should not take long"

Indeed the prediction came true, Within an hour, all the information brokers had made their way past the table. Eirik and Lasse got up to go back to their respective quarters. On the way out, Eirik signaled Jesper to follow.

As he came up next to them, Eirik spoke, "I want you present tomorrow when we pick out the recruits. You have an eye for finding the right ones."

"As you wish Captain. I hope there are not too many aliens. Terran's just make for better soldiers. SO.. What happens now??"

"Now?? Now, I go back to the ship and see if I cannot annoy Las'Tai a little. And I guess, you are headed back to the bar. Just remember, my brother is station commander and I wish to stay on his good side."

"Of course Captain. We will behave."

Going back to the ship Eirik rolled the thought of setting a small private army here, around in his head. It was not like the thought was alien to him, he had thought about becoming a full-blown outlaw at least 50 times over the last 4 years. But he could not force himself to do it. Too much would be lost to him, including his family.

Not wanting to dwell on something that was not going to happen anyway, he picked up the pace as he headed to the ship.