Chapter 253
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Note; Just a reminder, Garek is from "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." Courtney is from the series "Stargirl." Sharon is from the Marven Cinematic Universe, particularly the new series "Falcon and Winter Soldier."
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Courtney looked around this kingdom, and it seemed that Quark had been right. It could be a lot worse. It was ruled by a man named Palleon, at least for the moment. Palleon had been an officer in the Empire, more noble than most. In the chaos that followed the battle of Endor Palleon rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the leader of the Empire. He made peace with the New Republic, abolished slavery, discouraged anti-alien prejudice, even allied with the Republic against their mutual enemy, the Yuzun Vong. But Palleon also served the Empire as they committed slave trading and genocide, his honor didn't cause him to defect the way many others had. Apparently his good deeds were not enough to spare him from Hell. And now, he had created his own mini-kingdom here. There didn't appear to be slavery or starving children, but dissenters and petty criminals were shown little if any mercy. Courtney had no illusions, she could see both the good and bad aspects of Palleon's rule in Hell.
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After awhile, Garek returned with Sharon Carter, a woman who was once known as the "Power Broker." Sharon had once been a loyal agent of S.H.I.E.I.D. But then Sharon went against orders to help Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes, and was forced to become a fugitive. Living on the run, she was amongst those who dissapeared in the Blip. Living as a refugee, doing what she had to do to survive, these experiences hardened her. She decided that if she had to live as a criminal, she might as well enjoy the perks of wealth and power. Sharon created her own criminal empire. Although she was eventually pardoned, she did not abandon her empire. Sharon used her access to sell weapons to wealthy and powerful individuals. And now, Sharon was in Hell, willing to help Courtney and her friends find their respective parents.
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Garek: My friend here can help you find, some of the people on this list.
Courtney: What do you want in return?
Sharon; A safe base in Antarctica. Just in case things here get a little too dangerous.
Courtney: I think we can work that out.
Sharon: Good. I can take you there, but it will be dangerous. Can't guarantee we'll all survive.
Courtney: "We?" You're coming with us?
Sharon: Me and Garek, you'll need our help, trust me.
Courtney: No offense, but I've heard that you two aren't always trustworthy.
Sharon: I always kept my word, just didn't always tell people the whole truth. Besides, Garek here is usually smart enough to be on the winning side.
Garek: Indeed, it does seem like I'd gain more in the long run by allying with your side.
Courtney: Okay, I'll tell the others.