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Orion leaned on the bar, staring out at the sea of people chatting, laughing and drinking at tables. The sun had barely risen and already the room was full of humanoids ready and eager to down beer after beer. Most looked like seasoned drinkers; the skin on their faces leathery and saggy, eyes red, clothes dirty and simple, beer bellies protruding beneath the table. They were probably drinking what little money they had, having that unearned sense of euphoria even if it was just for a few hours. Slums tended to encourage self destructive behaviour if it meant it felt good. Though Orion had seen it amongst the wealthy as well, just not as exposed.
Ugh, Tristelle said, safely nestled in his NOVA unit within his head. I’m glad I don’t have a nose.
“Feel free to use mine,” Orion said, bringing his attention back to the bar. “There’s plenty of stench to share.”
A heavy set man with his back to him looked over his shoulder and gave Orion an angry glare. Orion stared back dispassionately until the man turned around again and minded his own business.
The bartender, a singlet clad humanoid with blue skin and not a hair on him, finally shuffled back to Orion. All four of his hands clasped beer mugs. The bartender dropped them in front of patrons as he walked the length of the bar, giving the saiyan warrior the final drink. Orion nodded curtly and lifted his beer, striding away from the bar and into the writhing, noisy mess of patrons filling the tables.
In the corner of the room, a woman sat with a large leather satchel resting on her lap, a half empty glass of water on the table. Her long, flowing brown hair cascaded down her shoulders and partway down her back. Her white lab coat was unbesmirched by dirt or grime unlike many of the other bar patrons. She adjusted her large, square shaped glasses as Orion approached.
“So, are you ready to get started?” she said. Her soft features belied the no-nonsense attitude she seemed to wield. Perhaps that was why no one had tried to hit on her despite her looks.
Orion took a seat, propping his elbows on the table. “Let’s.”
Kitriana Wilde opened her satchel and withdrew a notepad and pen. She held them firmly, her pen hovering above the paper like a snake ready to strike. “What is your name?”
“Orion.”
She scribbled it down. “Surname?”
“None.”
“Previous experience?”
Orion chewed on that for a moment. “Plenty.”
“Any referees that you can provide?”
“None on this planet,” Orion said.
Depending where this Cevanti actually was, he didn’t know if anyone in the system could vouch for his work. That was an annoyance. Mercenaries often got new jobs based on their performances in their last job. Having a blank slate would make Orion appear less trustworthy or new to the game – in either case, a less than optimal candidate. It might have been possible that landing this job would be the first in rebuilding his reputation.
Orion took a sip of his beer.
“So I’m just to take your word on it, then?” Kitriana asked.
Ooo, I like this one, Tristelle said.
“My actions speak louder than words,” Orion said.
Kitriana tilted her head down and looked over her glasses. “Which I can’t see unless I hire you.”
Orion grunted.
Kitriana looked back to her notepad and scratched something down. “Did you read the advertisement?”
“I did.”
“So you know what the job’s about, then.”
“I do.”
“And does it concern you that we will be running about Cevanti’s wilderness, facing dangers of all kinds, chasing after something that may be, in the end, nothing more than an old myth?”
The story of COLOSSUS-X9 was an interesting one. A massive robot storming about the outer plains of Cevanti, incredibly dangerous and powerful, possibly a relic of an apocalyptic event that the planet went through eons ago. If it was true, it would be an enjoyable job indeed. Much more entertaining than a dreary assassination of a politician or guarding a caravan of supplies from bandits. Sure, some dull aspects of those types of jobs would be present in this one, but the pay off could be much more satisfying.
That was, of course, if it was true. If not, at least it would put Orion’s mercenary professionalism on the map for Cevanti. Can’t argue with results.
“No,” Orion said. “As long as I’m paid for the work I’m assigned, I care little about the reason for the job.”
Kitriana wrote something down in response to his words. “I see. Money is all you’re concerned about, then?”
Orion frowned. “Yes.”
Kitriana pouted in a thoughtful way, then added to her notes. “I guess it’s too much to ask a mercenary to find an interest in what I’m searching for.”
“If a mercenary showed any kind of interest in the job beyond the work required of them, then that should concern you,” Orion said.
“Why?” Kitriana asked.
Tristelle echoed the question.
“Because it insinuates that the mercenary may be employed to interfere with your work in some way,” Orion said. “Mercenaries devoid of ulterior motives just want to be paid and to move on to the next job. There are some… eccentrics who are sociable and enjoy engaging in conversation with their current employer, but they’re rare. Anyone who is consistently asking questions and poking into your work is, more times than not, planning to sabotage you.”
Kitriana stared at Orion for a long moment. “That’s not a response I would have expected.”
Orion took another mouthful of beer.
“And how would you react if we actually find COLOSSUS-X9? What would you do?”
“Whatever you pay me to do,” Orion said. “If you want me to take it down, I will. If you want me to keep you safe and leave it alone, I’ll do that instead.”
“What if I want you to ensure you do no damage to it whatsoever but it constantly tries to kill us?”
“I know I don’t have any referees,” Orion said. “But trust me, it wouldn’t be the first time a homicidal robot attacked me. I will do what you need me to do.”
“Very well,” Kitriana said, jotting down more notes.
People who hired mercenaries didn’t often ask this number of questions. They knew what they wanted, sometimes using past performance to guide their choice, and then they made that choice quickly. This Kitriana was new to the game. She obviously hadn’t dealt with Orion’s kind much in the past. Judging from her attire and her scholarly profession, she had no reason to. It felt much more like a job interview than it should have. But work was work.
“OK that’s the questionnaire portion of the interview over,” Kitriana said, standing up. “There’s one last test you need to complete before I hire you.”
Orion downed the rest of his beer and slammed the mug on the table. “And what is that?”
“A practical test,” Kitriana said. “To show you can hold your own if we end up in danger.”
Orion grunted.
“Do you want to complete the test or not?” Kitriana asked.
Stop being so prickly and do it, the AI said.
“Yes,” the saiyan warrior said, standing. How many hoops did he have to jump through before he would be awarded this damn job?
Kitriana led Orion out of the dimly lit bar and into the sunshine. She waved down a taxi and they both got in, Orion climbing in the back. The vehicle lifted off and sped down Markov’s streets. Orion stared out the window and watched as it whizzed by his window. Streams of people cluttered the sidewalks; it was early morning, but even at night the streets were packed. Many of the buildings were in some state of disrepair, whether it was missing glass panes on the windows or paint peeling off the walls. This was not a city for the rich and affluent.
“So while we head to our destination,” Kitriana said from the front passenger seat, “do you have any questions for me?”
Orion watched the city race past him as he considered. “No.”
Kitriana huffed a little. “You really have no interest in this whole expedition?”
“Only the credits it will gain me.” Orion paused. “Did you expect that mercenaries would care one iota what you are trying to do?”
“It’s fascinating!” Kitriana said. “It’s chasing down history! A legend! Imagine what we could learn as a planet if this turns out to be true! Why does no one else see the potential of this mission?”
“Mercenaries tend to look towards the future rather than the past,” Orion said.
Kitriana sighed as the taxi pulled up to an empty lot. A muscular man with a buzzcut stood on the sidewalk, arms bulging out of his vest. A large assault rifle loomed over his shoulder. A small squadron of men, around seven, stood around wearing black suits and black motor cycle helmets. Orion and Kitriana got out of the taxi and she led him to the man.
“Thanks for waiting,” she said. “Orion, this is John X and his mercenary crew. He is the front runner for this job.”
John X smirked.
“So why did you drag me out here if you’re giving this fool and his mob of fools the work?” Orion asked.
“I haven’t decided on who gets the job yet,” Kitriana said. “You two will fight. Whoever knocks the other out, or heaven forbid, kills the other, wins the job.”
“Killing isn’t forbidden, then?” John X said, a glint in his eye.
“I’d prefer it if you didn’t, but no,” Kitriana said. “I need to make sure I have the toughest bodyguard I can with me. If one dies, then they can’t have been all that tough now, could they?”
“Excellent,” the mercenary said, equipping his assault rifle.
Orion sighed and rolled his neck. “There’s only one way this can end.”
“I’m glad you can see the truth staring you in the face,” John X said. “Feel free to forfeit now if you like. It’ll save me a few clips.”
“If you need more than a couple of bullets to put down a target, I don’t know why you’re the front runner for this job,” Orion said.
“Alright, enough smack talk,” Kitriana said. “Spread out and fight. John X, feel free to use your mercenaries.”
“I have a better idea,” Orion said.
What are you doing? Tristelle said. You can take these guys no problem! You’re throwing away… oh, I see. Reading your mind can be quite useful.
“And what is that?” Kitriana said.
“Hire us both.”
John X threw his head back and laughed. “Both? She can’t afford both of us. Or is it that you’re just too scared to win the contract from me?”
Orion ignored the weak barb from the mercenary and focused on his potential employer. “Have you been listening to the news lately?”
“Yes,” Kitriana said. “Always. What’s your point?”
“Then you’ve heard about the reports outside the city limits,” Orion said. “Creatures going wild and attacking people leaving the barrier. Members of some cult assaulting those straying into the wilds.”
Kitriana folded her arms. “Yes, that’s why I’m hiring bodyguards.”
Orion shrugged. “It seems you might want as many people protecting you as you can. It sounds like these events are unusual.”
“Ah, so that’s your angle,” John X interrupted. “You’re trying to get your fee increased by scaring the poor little lady. Ha! If I were a little more unscrupulous, I might have tried the same strategy too!”
“I don’t have the credits to hire you both,” Kitriana said. “I know it’s dangerous out there, but I can only pay one of you to help me get my job done.”
Orion sighed. She was set in her path. “Fine. Then halve my fee.”
“What? Why?”
“Like I said, you’re going to need everyone you can get.” Orion stretched his arms over his head.
“That’s awfully gentlemanly for a mercenary,” Kitriana said, cocking an eyebrow. “After everything you already told me.”
“He’s just afraid of fighting me!” John X said, his team standing tall behind him in silent support. “He’s trying to get the work without proving himself! Kitriana, tell this loser to-“
Orion dashed at the mouthy mercenary and plowed his fist into his stomach. John X cut off, mouth wide open and groaning, doubled over Orion’s arm. He dropped to his knees and panted, his gun slapping on the ground. His posse stood uncomfortably, unsure whether to assault Orion or not.
“I was pulling my punch then, too,” Orion said.
Kitriana stared at the downed John X, scrambling for breath. “Well Orion, I think I’ll have to pick you to-“
“Take him too,” Orion said. “You can use all the protection you can get. I insist.”
Kitriana scrutinized the saiyan warrior with her gaze. “What’s the real reason?”
Orion rolled his eye. “I’m not a fan of watching… inexperienced people get themselves killed because of their inexperience.” Kitriana opened her mouth to interrupt but Orion stopped her. “I’m sure you are very knowledgeable in your field, but you’ve never conducted an expedition like this before. I’ve seen enough failed ones in my time to know when security needs to be stepped up.”
“So you’re a mercenary with a heart of gold, huh?”
“I’d rather not be given a corny label, if you don’t mind.”
Kitriana smiled, then looked at John X. The man had gotten to his feet but still leaned over his knees. “Are you sure I need him?”
“Better to be safe than sorry,” Orion said. “At the least, he and his men will make excellent sacrificial lambs.”
Kitriana laughed. “Perhaps that heart of gold moniker is misplaced after all.” She looked to John X. “All right, I’ve decided to take up Orion on his offer. You can both escort me into the Cevanti wilds. We’ll head out tomorrow at 0500 hours. I’ll send the meet-up co-ordinates later. That OK with you, John?”
The man stared daggers at Orion for a long moment, then met Kitriana’s eyes and nodded.
“Excellent,” she said. “I’ll see you both then.”
You got the job! Tristelle said in his head. Well done! Shame about your fee though.
“It’s not a big deal,” Orion said quietly as Kitriana caught another cab and zoomed off into the streets. “It’s more important I establish myself. Make my name known and trustworthy on this planet. Until I can find out how to track Taros again.” Orion clenched his fists reflexively. Even when he said that name it made him tense.
It's all the same to me, Tristelle said. I’m just along for the ride.
Orion turned his back on John X and floated into the air. “And one hell of a ride it’s going to be.”
Ugh, Tristelle said, safely nestled in his NOVA unit within his head. I’m glad I don’t have a nose.
“Feel free to use mine,” Orion said, bringing his attention back to the bar. “There’s plenty of stench to share.”
A heavy set man with his back to him looked over his shoulder and gave Orion an angry glare. Orion stared back dispassionately until the man turned around again and minded his own business.
The bartender, a singlet clad humanoid with blue skin and not a hair on him, finally shuffled back to Orion. All four of his hands clasped beer mugs. The bartender dropped them in front of patrons as he walked the length of the bar, giving the saiyan warrior the final drink. Orion nodded curtly and lifted his beer, striding away from the bar and into the writhing, noisy mess of patrons filling the tables.
In the corner of the room, a woman sat with a large leather satchel resting on her lap, a half empty glass of water on the table. Her long, flowing brown hair cascaded down her shoulders and partway down her back. Her white lab coat was unbesmirched by dirt or grime unlike many of the other bar patrons. She adjusted her large, square shaped glasses as Orion approached.
“So, are you ready to get started?” she said. Her soft features belied the no-nonsense attitude she seemed to wield. Perhaps that was why no one had tried to hit on her despite her looks.
Orion took a seat, propping his elbows on the table. “Let’s.”
Kitriana Wilde opened her satchel and withdrew a notepad and pen. She held them firmly, her pen hovering above the paper like a snake ready to strike. “What is your name?”
“Orion.”
She scribbled it down. “Surname?”
“None.”
“Previous experience?”
Orion chewed on that for a moment. “Plenty.”
“Any referees that you can provide?”
“None on this planet,” Orion said.
Depending where this Cevanti actually was, he didn’t know if anyone in the system could vouch for his work. That was an annoyance. Mercenaries often got new jobs based on their performances in their last job. Having a blank slate would make Orion appear less trustworthy or new to the game – in either case, a less than optimal candidate. It might have been possible that landing this job would be the first in rebuilding his reputation.
Orion took a sip of his beer.
“So I’m just to take your word on it, then?” Kitriana asked.
Ooo, I like this one, Tristelle said.
“My actions speak louder than words,” Orion said.
Kitriana tilted her head down and looked over her glasses. “Which I can’t see unless I hire you.”
Orion grunted.
Kitriana looked back to her notepad and scratched something down. “Did you read the advertisement?”
“I did.”
“So you know what the job’s about, then.”
“I do.”
“And does it concern you that we will be running about Cevanti’s wilderness, facing dangers of all kinds, chasing after something that may be, in the end, nothing more than an old myth?”
The story of COLOSSUS-X9 was an interesting one. A massive robot storming about the outer plains of Cevanti, incredibly dangerous and powerful, possibly a relic of an apocalyptic event that the planet went through eons ago. If it was true, it would be an enjoyable job indeed. Much more entertaining than a dreary assassination of a politician or guarding a caravan of supplies from bandits. Sure, some dull aspects of those types of jobs would be present in this one, but the pay off could be much more satisfying.
That was, of course, if it was true. If not, at least it would put Orion’s mercenary professionalism on the map for Cevanti. Can’t argue with results.
“No,” Orion said. “As long as I’m paid for the work I’m assigned, I care little about the reason for the job.”
Kitriana wrote something down in response to his words. “I see. Money is all you’re concerned about, then?”
Orion frowned. “Yes.”
Kitriana pouted in a thoughtful way, then added to her notes. “I guess it’s too much to ask a mercenary to find an interest in what I’m searching for.”
“If a mercenary showed any kind of interest in the job beyond the work required of them, then that should concern you,” Orion said.
“Why?” Kitriana asked.
Tristelle echoed the question.
“Because it insinuates that the mercenary may be employed to interfere with your work in some way,” Orion said. “Mercenaries devoid of ulterior motives just want to be paid and to move on to the next job. There are some… eccentrics who are sociable and enjoy engaging in conversation with their current employer, but they’re rare. Anyone who is consistently asking questions and poking into your work is, more times than not, planning to sabotage you.”
Kitriana stared at Orion for a long moment. “That’s not a response I would have expected.”
Orion took another mouthful of beer.
“And how would you react if we actually find COLOSSUS-X9? What would you do?”
“Whatever you pay me to do,” Orion said. “If you want me to take it down, I will. If you want me to keep you safe and leave it alone, I’ll do that instead.”
“What if I want you to ensure you do no damage to it whatsoever but it constantly tries to kill us?”
“I know I don’t have any referees,” Orion said. “But trust me, it wouldn’t be the first time a homicidal robot attacked me. I will do what you need me to do.”
“Very well,” Kitriana said, jotting down more notes.
People who hired mercenaries didn’t often ask this number of questions. They knew what they wanted, sometimes using past performance to guide their choice, and then they made that choice quickly. This Kitriana was new to the game. She obviously hadn’t dealt with Orion’s kind much in the past. Judging from her attire and her scholarly profession, she had no reason to. It felt much more like a job interview than it should have. But work was work.
“OK that’s the questionnaire portion of the interview over,” Kitriana said, standing up. “There’s one last test you need to complete before I hire you.”
Orion downed the rest of his beer and slammed the mug on the table. “And what is that?”
“A practical test,” Kitriana said. “To show you can hold your own if we end up in danger.”
Orion grunted.
“Do you want to complete the test or not?” Kitriana asked.
Stop being so prickly and do it, the AI said.
“Yes,” the saiyan warrior said, standing. How many hoops did he have to jump through before he would be awarded this damn job?
Kitriana led Orion out of the dimly lit bar and into the sunshine. She waved down a taxi and they both got in, Orion climbing in the back. The vehicle lifted off and sped down Markov’s streets. Orion stared out the window and watched as it whizzed by his window. Streams of people cluttered the sidewalks; it was early morning, but even at night the streets were packed. Many of the buildings were in some state of disrepair, whether it was missing glass panes on the windows or paint peeling off the walls. This was not a city for the rich and affluent.
“So while we head to our destination,” Kitriana said from the front passenger seat, “do you have any questions for me?”
Orion watched the city race past him as he considered. “No.”
Kitriana huffed a little. “You really have no interest in this whole expedition?”
“Only the credits it will gain me.” Orion paused. “Did you expect that mercenaries would care one iota what you are trying to do?”
“It’s fascinating!” Kitriana said. “It’s chasing down history! A legend! Imagine what we could learn as a planet if this turns out to be true! Why does no one else see the potential of this mission?”
“Mercenaries tend to look towards the future rather than the past,” Orion said.
Kitriana sighed as the taxi pulled up to an empty lot. A muscular man with a buzzcut stood on the sidewalk, arms bulging out of his vest. A large assault rifle loomed over his shoulder. A small squadron of men, around seven, stood around wearing black suits and black motor cycle helmets. Orion and Kitriana got out of the taxi and she led him to the man.
“Thanks for waiting,” she said. “Orion, this is John X and his mercenary crew. He is the front runner for this job.”
John X smirked.
“So why did you drag me out here if you’re giving this fool and his mob of fools the work?” Orion asked.
“I haven’t decided on who gets the job yet,” Kitriana said. “You two will fight. Whoever knocks the other out, or heaven forbid, kills the other, wins the job.”
“Killing isn’t forbidden, then?” John X said, a glint in his eye.
“I’d prefer it if you didn’t, but no,” Kitriana said. “I need to make sure I have the toughest bodyguard I can with me. If one dies, then they can’t have been all that tough now, could they?”
“Excellent,” the mercenary said, equipping his assault rifle.
Orion sighed and rolled his neck. “There’s only one way this can end.”
“I’m glad you can see the truth staring you in the face,” John X said. “Feel free to forfeit now if you like. It’ll save me a few clips.”
“If you need more than a couple of bullets to put down a target, I don’t know why you’re the front runner for this job,” Orion said.
“Alright, enough smack talk,” Kitriana said. “Spread out and fight. John X, feel free to use your mercenaries.”
“I have a better idea,” Orion said.
What are you doing? Tristelle said. You can take these guys no problem! You’re throwing away… oh, I see. Reading your mind can be quite useful.
“And what is that?” Kitriana said.
“Hire us both.”
John X threw his head back and laughed. “Both? She can’t afford both of us. Or is it that you’re just too scared to win the contract from me?”
Orion ignored the weak barb from the mercenary and focused on his potential employer. “Have you been listening to the news lately?”
“Yes,” Kitriana said. “Always. What’s your point?”
“Then you’ve heard about the reports outside the city limits,” Orion said. “Creatures going wild and attacking people leaving the barrier. Members of some cult assaulting those straying into the wilds.”
Kitriana folded her arms. “Yes, that’s why I’m hiring bodyguards.”
Orion shrugged. “It seems you might want as many people protecting you as you can. It sounds like these events are unusual.”
“Ah, so that’s your angle,” John X interrupted. “You’re trying to get your fee increased by scaring the poor little lady. Ha! If I were a little more unscrupulous, I might have tried the same strategy too!”
“I don’t have the credits to hire you both,” Kitriana said. “I know it’s dangerous out there, but I can only pay one of you to help me get my job done.”
Orion sighed. She was set in her path. “Fine. Then halve my fee.”
“What? Why?”
“Like I said, you’re going to need everyone you can get.” Orion stretched his arms over his head.
“That’s awfully gentlemanly for a mercenary,” Kitriana said, cocking an eyebrow. “After everything you already told me.”
“He’s just afraid of fighting me!” John X said, his team standing tall behind him in silent support. “He’s trying to get the work without proving himself! Kitriana, tell this loser to-“
Orion dashed at the mouthy mercenary and plowed his fist into his stomach. John X cut off, mouth wide open and groaning, doubled over Orion’s arm. He dropped to his knees and panted, his gun slapping on the ground. His posse stood uncomfortably, unsure whether to assault Orion or not.
“I was pulling my punch then, too,” Orion said.
Kitriana stared at the downed John X, scrambling for breath. “Well Orion, I think I’ll have to pick you to-“
“Take him too,” Orion said. “You can use all the protection you can get. I insist.”
Kitriana scrutinized the saiyan warrior with her gaze. “What’s the real reason?”
Orion rolled his eye. “I’m not a fan of watching… inexperienced people get themselves killed because of their inexperience.” Kitriana opened her mouth to interrupt but Orion stopped her. “I’m sure you are very knowledgeable in your field, but you’ve never conducted an expedition like this before. I’ve seen enough failed ones in my time to know when security needs to be stepped up.”
“So you’re a mercenary with a heart of gold, huh?”
“I’d rather not be given a corny label, if you don’t mind.”
Kitriana smiled, then looked at John X. The man had gotten to his feet but still leaned over his knees. “Are you sure I need him?”
“Better to be safe than sorry,” Orion said. “At the least, he and his men will make excellent sacrificial lambs.”
Kitriana laughed. “Perhaps that heart of gold moniker is misplaced after all.” She looked to John X. “All right, I’ve decided to take up Orion on his offer. You can both escort me into the Cevanti wilds. We’ll head out tomorrow at 0500 hours. I’ll send the meet-up co-ordinates later. That OK with you, John?”
The man stared daggers at Orion for a long moment, then met Kitriana’s eyes and nodded.
“Excellent,” she said. “I’ll see you both then.”
You got the job! Tristelle said in his head. Well done! Shame about your fee though.
“It’s not a big deal,” Orion said quietly as Kitriana caught another cab and zoomed off into the streets. “It’s more important I establish myself. Make my name known and trustworthy on this planet. Until I can find out how to track Taros again.” Orion clenched his fists reflexively. Even when he said that name it made him tense.
It's all the same to me, Tristelle said. I’m just along for the ride.
Orion turned his back on John X and floated into the air. “And one hell of a ride it’s going to be.”