Lucas took a deep breath in and let out a deep breath. The smell of technology and possibilities excited him to no ends. Baltigo was known for its technologic advancements. What better place to start following in the footsteps of his biological father. Granted, the farmer life was nice but he knew he was destined for greater things. Of course, not everyone felt that way but being the ball of sunshine he was, Lucas felt that he could do great things in the world. The issue was, he was just a lone scientist roaming dangerous lands. Thanks to his abnormal stature people left him alone but his semi-formal attire drew the attention of those around him.

Lucas's eyes wandered the area as he made his way through the city. He was left speechless by the industrial look the city adopted due to the advancements. It was something he wasn't used to since he was brought up a farm. It wasn't long before he approached a local pub. One where a group of individuals just left out of. 'Must be popular. Red Moon interesting name.' He thought to himself. A slightly shorter man made his way in just moments before. He kicked the door open with authority, must be someone trying to stir some trouble up. The logical thing to do would be to avoid what could possibly happen. Where was the fun in that? He was trying to become a pirate, cowardice would get him nowhere. Not to mention it was not in his nature to turn away just because someone had an attitude. He could also really go for a drink.

Little did Lucas know, he was walking into the lion's den. The pub of the Bandit King of Baltigo. He did not know that, however, because he didn't think to do his homework before wandering the island. Then again Lucas was not to get tied up in titles and names. Sure he wanted to be known throughout the land himself. But he needed to build a foundation and possibly net himself a crew.

After the door closed he entered calmly without a care in the world. His size gave a sense of intimidation so there was no need to make a ruckus. He noticed an individual sitting in the room with, animal-like features. 'Wait, animal-like features? Zoan user? Or is this one of those minks I have heard about?' Lucas looked with a quick glance to not stare. Not that he was scared, it was just outright not polite to do so. Lucas sat down at the bar one seat away from the man who just ordered. Lucas was getting ready to call the bartender while putting his index finger up. Before the individual one seat down called out to the Bandit King.

Things were about to get interesting.

 

As Lucas held his finger up he realized that no bartender was coming instead he turned so he could face the two on his right side. He wanted to make sure he was engaged in this conversation. Might as well right? He had nothing better to do. At first, the animal-like man had a serious almost terrifying demeanor. One that was clearly his real mood. Laughter erupted from the individual after the man asked his questions. But Lucas could tell very clearly that laughter was merely an act. A means to entertain guests and nothing more. Lucas could see right through the mask the mink was wearing at that very moment. Of course, Lucas smiled in response, but he did not say a word as the Mink replied to the earlier comment. That reply turned into a short story. It would have been even better with a drink but the barkeep had all but vanished from the scene. Lucas was familiar with the Coo, he kept up with it from time to time. The name Bandit King did ring a bell but it was nice to finally put a face to the name.

Even though Lucas had not visited these places the mink spoke of, he was still aware of them. In one of his many books, he read during his younger years. 'Lesser minks, hmm so they have subspecies. Intriguing.' Everything said was being committed to his noggin adding to his already vast knowledge. Lucas did not like the idea of thieves, but he was not one to judge. He did not know this mink's upbringings or where he came from. For all he knew, the mink had to steal to survive in this harsh world. Especially in this world filled with chaos and destruction. He knew a thing or two about surviving on nothing when everything was taken. While the mink told his story Lucas reached in his pocket on his shirt and pulled out a rolled up object and lighter. He placed the doobie on his lips and clicked the lighter to life.

"Don't mind me continue on with the story." He interjected to make sure he wasn't being rude. The blunt came to life and Lucas began to take a few hits from it. Then the mink got to the part about a mafia family. It was tragic too, say the least. But that is just the natural order in this world. Sometimes it's kill or be killed. His crew got in the way of someone stronger and paid a heavy price for it. Even though it may have been cold to think such a thing, it was the truth. But it was best left unsaid to respect the fallen. Not to mention no reason to piss someone off who was oozing murderous intent just moments ago. Lucas was blunt but not stupid.

Then a question came right afterward about what brings the two to the pub. Lucas didn't realize it but he was being lumped in with the guy next to him. Before Lucas could speak the man began to move. He suddenly became the bartender in an instant. Lucas wanted to say something but there was something comical about the situation. One that Lucas was not going to let go. Not to mention he was starting to feel the effects of the drug. He snickered at the idea of this unknown guy taking over the counter like this. He pointed to a red label and began to pour drinks plus a glass of milk. That request was the odd one in the bunch. But that could also be the animal nature in the mink. 'Milk in a bar? He must be that of a cat breed.' A little note for later purposes. Maybe bribe the Bandit King with some catnip? Cats go ape shit for it.

The man who was now serving the two was starting to ask questions. Questions that received answers just as quick.

"Stepmom made them,

My stepfather loved me cause I got my height from my real dad,

Do you want to compare sizes?

As far as what drink, I guess I will have what you are having."

Lucas was impartial to drinks, as long as it was not tequila. He wasn't too fond of having a Mexican bar fight in his stomach. Best to play it safe in new lands. Then the man said something very alarming, one that would warrant a fight between the three. Especially since the newcomers got lumped in together.

"Uh, its night time and I needed a drink. Also the possibility of finding work. As far as this guy, I have no idea who he is. So if you are going to get the claws out, I will take a hard pass."

Lucas didn't really think that one out when he said it. It might hav ecome off a little racist but he was high so he could use that as a excuse. He wasn't going to take the comment back however, he was being completely serious. Getting cut up wasn't on the menu for the day. He watched the individual come from behind the counter and begin to roll up some of the good stuff. Lucas was just finishing up his own blunt. It was nice to know he wasn't the only one in the world who smoked the stuff. Most of the people on the island were against his drug. Lucas just continued to smoke as the man asked the question. Tonight was becoming most entertaining.

 
The man pretending to be the bartender asked the real question, one that even Lucas wondered.

Why should they join the Bandit King?

This was a real question that could set them down a dangerous path. It was not that Lucas was scared but the bodies on the floor was a good indication of what followed this creature.

Lucas tried not to think about the floor littered with bodies. Maybe the carnage on Jaya had desensitized him to death. He didn’t even really take notice of them at first because of they were dead. Dead men tell no tales, held a lot of weight to it. 'These two aren’t making a big deal about it either.’ This said a lot about these two’s characters. They were no stranger to carnage neither. ‘Maybe this is where I was meant to be.’ Lucas thought to himself. In a crazy way, he was starting to take a shine to these two. A smile crept across his face as he finished off the rest of his own blunt since he started earlier.
Lucas blinked and the mink’s position changed quickly to catch the glass sliding to an impending doom. This was a good indication of his ability. Lucas couldn’t see the mink but the shift in the air and the sudden shaking of the furniture were a good indication of his ability. Two seats down, it didn’t startle Lucas but intrigued him. ‘Moving faster than the eye can track, interesting.’

Lucas caught the glass that was slid in direction without skipping a beat. He took a swig from it to was the aftertaste left behind from the herb and cinder. He was starting to feel it but barely showed it. Except,t for the fact his eyes were blood shot.

The mink spoke on the question asked before responding to the claw remark. Lucas was a bit relieved that he could take a joke. One would be surprised how some people in the world got offended so quickly.  He looked over at the man who made the dick comment earlier.


“Hey man you asked. No need for dinner and movie just right down to the nasty stuff.”

Lucas found himself smiling, nervous about all of what the bandit king was saying. But the excitement welling up in him was outweighed it. Being public enemy from jump street was a good way to get the full taste of being a pirate. Sure it was a gamble for fledgling pirates. What better way to make a name than to jump into the deep end of things. The mink spun his tale, the funny part was he had Lucas’s attention at everyone’s enemy. It just sounded like a good time and a quick way to get stronger, or die trying. Every other reason was just a bonus for him.

Everyone’s story started somewhere and the wheels of fate were turning. The mink was off about one thing, “It’s not about the hand you are dealt it’s about how you play with it.” His comment may have come off cheesy but it held a lot of meaning behind it. At least for Lucas it did. He could have given up on Jaya after losing everything instead he pushed forward. The man was the first to accept and give a name. Of course this was after smashing his glass. Lucas gave him the look that said, ‘really?’ But that wasn’t the point. Names were finally getting revealed this was really happening. Lucas finished up his own drink while Spook gave a small introduction. It was only fitting Lucas stand up and give his also. After standing up at his full height he put the glass calmly back on the counter.

“Lucas Sturm, I am a scientist from Jaya. Self-proclaimed scientist, can’t show you any paperwork but my inventions speak for themselves. I did say I was looking for work. I can start by dealing with the Mafia first.” He thought about it, that was a pretty bold statement he just made. With his abilities and his noggin he was sure he would be able to pull something off with their help. Lucas walked up to the point where he was about three feet away. He extended his hand out in the form of a fist looking for a fist bump. Praying the mink did not leave them hanging or destroy their hands. Lucas wasn’t made of paper but he was well aware that strength came in varying sizes.

 
From this moment Lucas found himself a member of a crew. That wasn't as hard as he thought it was going to be. Little did he know that hard parts were yet to come. After hearing the mink's name it all came together. Flashes of his posters came rushing through his mind at once. So much that it only made sense as to why everyone was against him. With that high of a bounty Jackal was a walking target. This only meant strength was a necessity. Lucas was certainly jumping into the deep end here. Yet, he felt no fear. He was ready for whatever came his way, at least he built up in his mind he was. Jackal spoke some more on the subject of being a pirate. That did not worry Lucas in the slightest. See he had the element of surprise on his side. Due to flying under the radar for so long he did not have a bounty. Well, he should but that is a story saved for another time.

Jackal may not have known it but Lucas was very indifferent to the various races. He saw everyone as equal. They all came from different walks of life but fate brought them all together. The world was vast enough to share, there was no point in squabbling over minor things. It did upset him a little to hear the slave part. The human race could be terrible to everyone in and outside their kind. As far as mother goes Lucas had already begun concocting his own plan to get the ball rolling.

Before the conclusion of all of this Jackal said something quite peculiar. 'Fancy clothes? A ball?' Things were moving quicker than expected. A strike at mother was a good indication of this captain's appetite for making bit moves quickly. Lucas saw this as a good opportunity to show that he is a capable crewmate. With that, he followed them out the bar. The three went their drunken separate ways.

The best was yet to come.