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Axor Rix, the grizzled and notorious owner of the Rusted Blade tavern on Tomin Kora, has rocked the galactic underworld with the release of his highly anticipated memoir, Drinks, Deals, and Death: My Life on Tomin Kora. Chronicling his decades-long career as a barkeep and deal-broker in the lawless heart of the galaxy, Rix’s book sheds light on the murky, violent, and often bizarre dealings that define life on Tomin Kora.
“Some say Tomin Kora is chaos incarnate,” Rix writes in the book’s opening chapter. “They’re not wrong, but it’s also a place of opportunity — for those with guts, guile, and a good blade.”
The Rusted Blade, a dimly lit dive tucked into the depths of the Shadow District, has long been known as a neutral ground where smugglers, pirates, mercenaries, and fugitives can hash out deals or settle disputes over a drink. In his memoir, Rix claims to have witnessed some of the most infamous moments in Tomin Kora’s history, many of which were orchestrated right under his roof.
One chapter recounts an infamous heist involving the theft of an ultra-rare crystalline power core from a heavily guarded freighter. According to Rix, the planning meeting took place in the back room of his tavern over a few rounds of his signature drink, the “Shadowshot.” While Rix doesn’t name names, he hints that a galaxy-renowned pirate leader was at the table.
“They weren’t just planning a heist — they were rewriting the rules of audacity,” Rix says. “And I’m the poor fool who had to mop up the blood when negotiations got … heated.”
The memoir also delves into the challenges of running a neutral zone on a planet ruled by chaos. Rix describes moments where he had to mediate disputes between deadly rivals, sometimes preventing outright war.
“One time, I had a Nall assassin and a human arms dealer sitting three stools apart, each waiting for the other to make a move. I poured them both a drink and said, ‘If you’re gonna spill blood here, you better be ready to pay double.’ They both laughed. For a moment, at least.”
Not all of Rix’s stories involve crime and violence. In one humorous chapter, he recounts the time an inexperienced intergalactic journalist wandered into the Rusted Blade, oblivious to its reputation.
“They were fresh off some cushy space station, babbling about wanting to ‘capture the essence of Tomin Kora.’ I told them, ‘Kid, you don’t capture Tomin Kora. It captures you.’ They left without their datapad — or their shoes.”
While the book has become a bestseller in fringe markets and pirate havens, it’s also drawn ire from powerful figures who fear their secrets may be revealed. The memoir includes veiled references to notorious syndicate leaders, mercenary companies, and even high-ranking officials from more “civilized” sectors of the galaxy.
Rix remains unapologetic. “I’ve served drinks to the worst scum and the biggest heroes,” he says in a promotional interview. “They all have stories, and now it’s my turn to tell mine. If someone’s mad about it, well, they know where to find me. Just don’t come between me and my drink.”
The release of Drinks, Deals, and Death has ignited a flurry of speculation across the galaxy. Critics hail it as a raw and gritty portrait of life on Tomin Kora, while skeptics question the veracity of some of its more outrageous claims. Fans, however, can’t get enough of Rix’s biting wit and larger-than-life anecdotes.
“This book isn’t just a memoir — it’s a survival guide,” one reviewer writes. “If you ever find yourself on Tomin Kora, pray Axor Rix is still alive. You’ll need him.”
Despite the risks of retaliation, Rix shows no sign of slowing down. When asked what’s next, he simply chuckles. “I’m working on a cocktail recipe book. Less scandal, more booze. Well, maybe both.”