Refuge is an independent city state in space that moves between a number of waypoints along the Hyperian Way. Constructed from the hulls of ancient freighters and possessing a powerful hyperdrive, it is a great metallic mass in space. It is owned and operated by a group of rich and powerful crimelords or "free traders", who rotate the governorship on a yearly basis between them.
Refuge is a haven for criminals and is a hub for illicit trade in weapons, slaves, narcotics and chemicals, as well as banned luxury goods, the owners taking a percentage of each transaction and enforcing what passes for law in a heavy handed manner. A small fleet of armed corvettes and fighters escort the city through space protecting it from anything but an actual invasion.
Besides trading Refuge is also a popular destination for illicit gambling in slave gladiator combat against each other and various creatures, swoop racing and almost any other type of high stakes game of chance, as well as various other unsavoury entertainments tailored to the tastes of the customer and their pricerange.
The secret of Refuge's security is the hyperspace route it takes, leaving hyperspace for a period of seventy two hours at each stop, then re-entering for the next part of it’s journey. The waypoints are agreed on a monthly basis and are circulated amongst those trusted with it’s location via a secure network. If a threat is detected the destination of the city can be changed by the governor or another partner quickly and efficiently.
The other factor of the city's security is the symplicity of it's name, it is not referred to as Refuge City or Refuge Station, meerly Refuge, and is obscure enough for only those in the know to guess at it's nature.
Rumours persist about outside involvement in the city, historically the Empire may have been aware and even involved in it’s existence. It is also possible that the Yuuzhan Vong were aware of and had dealings with the governors but this has also never been proven.
What involvement the Clans of the Dark Brotherhood have with Refuge is also unclear but individual members are likely to do private business here, or seek it's ammenities.