Fandom: Spartacus, Ficlet: An Introduction
Next chapter in the Space!AU
Adonis was once a satellite planet of academics and religious houses before funding got pulled and it was left to rot in the far reaches of space. Smugglers, thieves, and miners kept it alive; even with government money pulled; it still had one of the most stable space docks and concourses around. It also had some of the classiest and most successful whorehouses this side of the asteroid belt. They’d taken over the running of the planet, its economy, its laws, and its protection forces on their own. Men and women still turned to the trade for lack of other options, but at least on Adonis safe places, homes, and future employment was provided for if/when they wanted to get out.
Agron had waited awhile to take Dagan, Nasir, and Chadara here. There was an attitude that often came with those from the more “civilized” planets. They had a natural tendency to look down on those on the edge, especially anyone even hinting at an occupation of a space whore. No matter how intelligent, how kind, how wealthy, how successful some of these men and women became, old prejudices from the old world never really faded on Legiona’s urban center planets. Agron hoped after a full annual cycle living in the space boondocks their attitudes had changed. He just didn’t want to have to break up any fights between Gannicus and Dagan; he was pretty damn sure the only loser would be him.
“I know Saxa has been in-residence here for some time, but could she not just meet us at the port? Why are we all off-ship?” Chadara asked.
Agron was distracted from answering when Naevia squealed and broke from their group. She ran into the waiting arms of a beautiful dark-haired woman who immediately engulfed her and started to shower her hair and face with kisses.
“We are here to see family,” he said.
“Who is she?” Chadara asked.
Agron shook his head. “It’s not my story to tell.”
******************
Once Diona had been a whore for lack of choice; forced into it by a system which only bred failure for those not born to a certain class. Now she helped facilitate the escape, travel, employment, and accommodations from other planets for girls like herself. Once nothing more than the plaything of rich men and women’s, she now held a position of power and respect. Each young person ripped from the claws of Legiona’s underbelly was a victory and worth more than any pay cred.
Her job was important, more a duty really, and Diona didn’t get see much of those she considered family. It was a gift to have Naevia here in her arms, so healthy and happy looking, so different from when they first stumbled into the port of Adonis. They took care of each other on that ship, still she didn’t expect every last member of The Boat’s crew to accompany Naevia. It made Diona relax to see them all gathered, old and new, to share this moment with one Diona considered a true sister.
Saxa and Gannicus were already on-site, had been for some time, but it’d been years since she’d seen Duro, Auctus, Varro, Aurelia, and little Janus. Some crewmembers were more frequent guests than others.
“Agron,” she said as the big lug pulled her into a hug. “If I knew you were coming, I would’ve asked Theo if he was so inclined to clear his schedule.”
If she believed such a thing possible, she would’ve sworn Agron blushed. From the loud sniggers Duro, Crixus, and Pietros weren’t attempting to hide, she knew her eyes didn’t lie.
“Not necessary,” Agron said. He motioned to a group behind him and three strangers stepped forward. There were two men, one tall, one short, both dark of skin, eyes, and hair. A petite woman also stood with them, golden hair pulled back in a severe braid with eyes that took in every detail around them.
“I see you’ve finally expanded the crew,” Diona said. She patted Naevia’s head she her muffled laughter tickled her neck. “It was about time you got some new blood in there.”
“You know our strays policy,” Agron said. “Please meet Chadara, Dagan, and Nasir.” His voice went softer on the last name. “They are recent Legiona defectors.”
Diona smiled warmly at them, recalling her own adjustment period to life on the outskirts. “Well then, let me be the first to officially welcome you to Adonis. May you find all you seek within our borders.”
She gave Chadara an extra wide smile and was pleased with the smirk that met her in response.
**********************
It wasn’t entirely uncommon for members of The Boat’s crew to stay with her for their shore-leave, vacation, time-off, whichever phrase used by the one seeking refuge from the tin can dump that Agron and Duro Stieber liked to call a spaceship. The body needed time off-ship to keep enduring life in space. The Lifers, like Auctus, Diona had no clue how they stayed sane.
Maybe they didn’t. Auctus decided his salvation was in Duro Stieber after all.
Saxa had come to her completely burnt out and in need of being taken out of her own head. Most people wouldn’t see it; would figure Saxa was just being extra rude in language and rough in temper. Diona could see it in her eyes though, the weariness, the need for someone else to be the stronger one just for a little while longer. She had her regrets about fucking off to Adonis longer than intended. She wasn’t too pleased finding Gannicus already in-residence, only because everyone knew when Marcia was here, Gannicus almost turned monogamous. Still, Saxa had mentioned the name of one new interest she missed, and that woman stood before Diona now.
Chadara, a name that pleasantly rolled around Diona’s mouth. She was beautiful in the way Legiona’s citizens appreciated; all light, eyes, skin, hair, voice. She wore the veneer and grace of a city raised orphan; there was that hesitation in her manner, the grateful joy in her eye whenever any called her friend, sister, or part of the crew. It was the screaming signal of one who always wanted to belong to a family. The other newcomers, Dagan and Nasir, had a touch of it, but Dagan appeared the loner type and Nasir clearly already had a place. Chadara wanted to belong yet she was suspicious of too much good in her life. Diona now understood why Saxa had come to her, cursing, fighting, and tired. Saxa was used to getting everything in life with an ease; Chadara was a challenge for any who sought more than just the pleasure of her company.
A small laugh and a teasing whisper of hair and Diona found the former Captain of Capua at her side.
“Marcia finally let you free,” she teased.
“One of us needed to seek greater sustenance,” Gannicus said. His hair was a mess and he wore nothing save a small table cloth.
Diona shook her head and pulled a robe out of the closet. “Attempt decency; we have guests.”
Gannicus shrugged on the robe and handed his table cloth to Diona. He sauntered over to the balcony and looked onto the gardens where the crew of The Boat sprawled out for an afternoon meal. He yawned in disinterest at most, though his eyes widened to see how large Janus had grown.
“He will soon stand taller than his mother,” Gannicus said.
“And learn to fear her even more that he comprehends her terrifying power,” Diona said. There were some wolves out here and space and Aurelia? She was a pack leader.
Gannicus grunted in agreement. He pointed to Chadara below. “That is the woman Saxa moans about in your bed?” he asked. He glanced at Diona and smirked. “You have mighty competition for Saxa’s heart.”
Diona slapped his ass before she resumed her place on the balcony. “Who says Saxa is the only heart I wish to claim? There is something about this Chadara. I recognize traces of my old self in her.”
Gannicus laughed again and pressed his finger to the tip of Diona’s nose. “Ah, so you seek to mentor her in all things? With Saxa at your side.” He grinned wide. “May I join you?”
Diona shook her head at Ganncius’ words; there were little truth in them. Besides Marcia, there was only one other bed Gannicus ever really sought these days; Diona and Saxa’s were not it.
“We will see what comes of it,” Diona declared. She patted Gannicus’ hair and left him staring out at the natural sun of Adonis.
She had plans to make; she was good at that, courses of action. She enjoy these first few days in Naevia’s company before Crixus grew bored and begged her to travel further in planet. After that, Saxa should’ve returned from the job she took outside the main city. It was be plenty of time to gather information on Chadara, gauge her interest, check her past, and to form plans. Diona looked forward to the challenge. She just wondered if both Saxa and Chadara would be as agreeable with the outcome Diona sought.
Adonis was once a satellite planet of academics and religious houses before funding got pulled and it was left to rot in the far reaches of space. Smugglers, thieves, and miners kept it alive; even with government money pulled; it still had one of the most stable space docks and concourses around. It also had some of the classiest and most successful whorehouses this side of the asteroid belt. They’d taken over the running of the planet, its economy, its laws, and its protection forces on their own. Men and women still turned to the trade for lack of other options, but at least on Adonis safe places, homes, and future employment was provided for if/when they wanted to get out.
Agron had waited awhile to take Dagan, Nasir, and Chadara here. There was an attitude that often came with those from the more “civilized” planets. They had a natural tendency to look down on those on the edge, especially anyone even hinting at an occupation of a space whore. No matter how intelligent, how kind, how wealthy, how successful some of these men and women became, old prejudices from the old world never really faded on Legiona’s urban center planets. Agron hoped after a full annual cycle living in the space boondocks their attitudes had changed. He just didn’t want to have to break up any fights between Gannicus and Dagan; he was pretty damn sure the only loser would be him.
“I know Saxa has been in-residence here for some time, but could she not just meet us at the port? Why are we all off-ship?” Chadara asked.
Agron was distracted from answering when Naevia squealed and broke from their group. She ran into the waiting arms of a beautiful dark-haired woman who immediately engulfed her and started to shower her hair and face with kisses.
“We are here to see family,” he said.
“Who is she?” Chadara asked.
Agron shook his head. “It’s not my story to tell.”
******************
Once Diona had been a whore for lack of choice; forced into it by a system which only bred failure for those not born to a certain class. Now she helped facilitate the escape, travel, employment, and accommodations from other planets for girls like herself. Once nothing more than the plaything of rich men and women’s, she now held a position of power and respect. Each young person ripped from the claws of Legiona’s underbelly was a victory and worth more than any pay cred.
Her job was important, more a duty really, and Diona didn’t get see much of those she considered family. It was a gift to have Naevia here in her arms, so healthy and happy looking, so different from when they first stumbled into the port of Adonis. They took care of each other on that ship, still she didn’t expect every last member of The Boat’s crew to accompany Naevia. It made Diona relax to see them all gathered, old and new, to share this moment with one Diona considered a true sister.
Saxa and Gannicus were already on-site, had been for some time, but it’d been years since she’d seen Duro, Auctus, Varro, Aurelia, and little Janus. Some crewmembers were more frequent guests than others.
“Agron,” she said as the big lug pulled her into a hug. “If I knew you were coming, I would’ve asked Theo if he was so inclined to clear his schedule.”
If she believed such a thing possible, she would’ve sworn Agron blushed. From the loud sniggers Duro, Crixus, and Pietros weren’t attempting to hide, she knew her eyes didn’t lie.
“Not necessary,” Agron said. He motioned to a group behind him and three strangers stepped forward. There were two men, one tall, one short, both dark of skin, eyes, and hair. A petite woman also stood with them, golden hair pulled back in a severe braid with eyes that took in every detail around them.
“I see you’ve finally expanded the crew,” Diona said. She patted Naevia’s head she her muffled laughter tickled her neck. “It was about time you got some new blood in there.”
“You know our strays policy,” Agron said. “Please meet Chadara, Dagan, and Nasir.” His voice went softer on the last name. “They are recent Legiona defectors.”
Diona smiled warmly at them, recalling her own adjustment period to life on the outskirts. “Well then, let me be the first to officially welcome you to Adonis. May you find all you seek within our borders.”
She gave Chadara an extra wide smile and was pleased with the smirk that met her in response.
**********************
It wasn’t entirely uncommon for members of The Boat’s crew to stay with her for their shore-leave, vacation, time-off, whichever phrase used by the one seeking refuge from the tin can dump that Agron and Duro Stieber liked to call a spaceship. The body needed time off-ship to keep enduring life in space. The Lifers, like Auctus, Diona had no clue how they stayed sane.
Maybe they didn’t. Auctus decided his salvation was in Duro Stieber after all.
Saxa had come to her completely burnt out and in need of being taken out of her own head. Most people wouldn’t see it; would figure Saxa was just being extra rude in language and rough in temper. Diona could see it in her eyes though, the weariness, the need for someone else to be the stronger one just for a little while longer. She had her regrets about fucking off to Adonis longer than intended. She wasn’t too pleased finding Gannicus already in-residence, only because everyone knew when Marcia was here, Gannicus almost turned monogamous. Still, Saxa had mentioned the name of one new interest she missed, and that woman stood before Diona now.
Chadara, a name that pleasantly rolled around Diona’s mouth. She was beautiful in the way Legiona’s citizens appreciated; all light, eyes, skin, hair, voice. She wore the veneer and grace of a city raised orphan; there was that hesitation in her manner, the grateful joy in her eye whenever any called her friend, sister, or part of the crew. It was the screaming signal of one who always wanted to belong to a family. The other newcomers, Dagan and Nasir, had a touch of it, but Dagan appeared the loner type and Nasir clearly already had a place. Chadara wanted to belong yet she was suspicious of too much good in her life. Diona now understood why Saxa had come to her, cursing, fighting, and tired. Saxa was used to getting everything in life with an ease; Chadara was a challenge for any who sought more than just the pleasure of her company.
A small laugh and a teasing whisper of hair and Diona found the former Captain of Capua at her side.
“Marcia finally let you free,” she teased.
“One of us needed to seek greater sustenance,” Gannicus said. His hair was a mess and he wore nothing save a small table cloth.
Diona shook her head and pulled a robe out of the closet. “Attempt decency; we have guests.”
Gannicus shrugged on the robe and handed his table cloth to Diona. He sauntered over to the balcony and looked onto the gardens where the crew of The Boat sprawled out for an afternoon meal. He yawned in disinterest at most, though his eyes widened to see how large Janus had grown.
“He will soon stand taller than his mother,” Gannicus said.
“And learn to fear her even more that he comprehends her terrifying power,” Diona said. There were some wolves out here and space and Aurelia? She was a pack leader.
Gannicus grunted in agreement. He pointed to Chadara below. “That is the woman Saxa moans about in your bed?” he asked. He glanced at Diona and smirked. “You have mighty competition for Saxa’s heart.”
Diona slapped his ass before she resumed her place on the balcony. “Who says Saxa is the only heart I wish to claim? There is something about this Chadara. I recognize traces of my old self in her.”
Gannicus laughed again and pressed his finger to the tip of Diona’s nose. “Ah, so you seek to mentor her in all things? With Saxa at your side.” He grinned wide. “May I join you?”
Diona shook her head at Ganncius’ words; there were little truth in them. Besides Marcia, there was only one other bed Gannicus ever really sought these days; Diona and Saxa’s were not it.
“We will see what comes of it,” Diona declared. She patted Gannicus’ hair and left him staring out at the natural sun of Adonis.
She had plans to make; she was good at that, courses of action. She enjoy these first few days in Naevia’s company before Crixus grew bored and begged her to travel further in planet. After that, Saxa should’ve returned from the job she took outside the main city. It was be plenty of time to gather information on Chadara, gauge her interest, check her past, and to form plans. Diona looked forward to the challenge. She just wondered if both Saxa and Chadara would be as agreeable with the outcome Diona sought.