Space politics sends The Protector on a mission, the failure of which could result in mass destruction. When her mission is sabotaged, the man bred from birth to be a Protector must leave his lover in order to carry out his duty. However, before he leaves, he promises to meet the white-haired H’asean at Asphodel’s Pit, one of the most dangerous dives in all the known universes, sending him off with Protector’s Brachi friend.<br><br>Meanwhile, at Asphodel’s Pit, inhabitants of other planets are going about their business. Sloff runs the dive, along with his old friend Rinig sa Bre, who provides security. Both men are unaware all hell in on the verge of breaking loose, as a Protector is about to arrive, looking for his young sir.

I Will Meet You at Asphodel's Pit

“Wine, please.” He put a credit on the bar.


Rinig noticed how Sloff’s eyes narrowed. Would he even be able to make change for it? It was a vast amount for a ship’s hand, but it was nothing for a young sir. “You might want to be careful throwing around credits like that. Hssa, you should keep him under better control. If trouble starts, my friend, who do you think gets the joy of cleaning it up?”


“I’ll be here to help you, little man.” The Brachi grinned, and the corner of Rinig’s mouth twisted into a reluctant grin of his own.


Sloff turned toward the young sir, but not before Rinig heard his soft chuckle.


A pale eyebrow rose in surprise. “You stock H’asean wine?”


“Asphodel’s Pit has something for everyone.”


Sloff unlocked the grill at the back of the bar and took out a dusty bottle, uncorked it, and poured a measure of the deep purple wine into a goblet.


Chapter 8