Black Lagoon: Life of a Rogue

Welcome to Roanapur

Roanapur. An oasis for the deserters and the losers since the Vietnam War, joined by the worst of the monsters and criminals of the planet. Prostitutes, drug addicts, mercenaries, killers, and psychopaths of any nationality compose the population of Roanapur. Distanced off the shores of Thailand, the city has gone so far off the deep end that it has fallen into the hands of four powerful branches of the crime underworld. There is no joy or peace to be found. Only dread and dour.

The Yellow Flag is the one-stop-shop for anybody and everybody. Gangsters and hookers gather in search of a quick drink and more while the rest drown their sorrows. The bar was packed to the brim as noise filled the room and money flowed to the counter. As the noise became gradually louder, Eda took a swig from the glass of whiskey she was holding. Seating herself at the corner of the counter alone was enough to grab one's attention, especially with the way she was dressed. Tight tank top that showed off her ample bosom with a miniskirt was guaranteed to catch some eyes. Not that she would care anyway. Besides, she's sober enough to see through them.

Eda checked her watch. It was past midnight and the certain person she was waiting for had yet to arrive. Circling the rim of her glass, she let out a sigh as she raised the glass.

"Waiting for the Lagoon Company, Eda?" Bao, the bartender and owner, asked as he wiped the glass with a towel.

"No," she replied. "Just waiting for a friend who's late."

As she took another swig, Eda heard the door behind her swing open and the noise began to hush. She didn't need to turn around to figure out who's the newest visitor. Anyone who's not even an ancestor of Roanapur was bound to get some dubious looks. The prostitutes however would think otherwise. The one thing she could say about the man she was waiting for was that he was someone who needed to lie low and find a new job in the meantime. The footsteps behind her closed in and sooner or later, Eda heard the stool beside her move and a bag landing on the floor.

"Evening, Eda." the man said.

"Aaron," she greeted. "Welcome to Roanapur."

"Quite the welcome party you threw for me."

Eda glanced towards Aaron, noticing him cautiously looking around the bar. Eda scoffed before reaching for her glass.

"Relax. I checked the whole bar and no one's after you here." Eda replied as she drank from her glass.

Although still cautious, Aaron turned away to face the counter. Bao paid no mind to the visitor and continued wiping the glass. As long as there are no blood spilled or bullets pelting the place, Bao would say.

"Never expected you to go this far to help me." Aaron said.

"That's what friends are for."

Placing the glass down on the counter, Eda took out a small piece of paper with some writing on it and slid it to Aaron.

"This'll be your new place," Said Eda. "Somewhat of a bad neighborhood but enough to lay low for the time being."

Aaron muttered his thanks as he slipped the paper into his jacket pocket before turning to the bartender. "Hey bartender, you serve scotch here?"

"Yeah." Bao replied.

"I'll have a shot, thanks."

As Bao turned away to get started on Aaron's drink, Eda heard the door open again and this time the noise abruptly stopped. Turning around to the footsteps, she noticed a group of men in suits and it didn't take long for her to figure out who they're here for.

"Shit." Eda cursed as she turned away.

"What is it?" Aaron asked.

"Hotel Moscow. They must have found out about your arrival. Just don't start anything with them and do what they tell you."