The Meeting That Would Change the Galaxy
Story by Philisophical_noone on SoFurry
Imported from SF2 with no description.
“Liasteri, now that the distractions are out of the way, what do you need me here for?”
The rabbit was all business, “I need your help. You know that we're fighting the Black Legion, and even though we have the numbers they expect everything we're going to do. You're the wild card, they can't predict your actions yet. Plus you have a beef with them as well.”
“Fallen Sky was sinking on its own, I just saw an opportunity to get out.”
“Dante, I know you're just saying that. We've both fought too many times in our lives, but this time it is a necessity. If the Black Legion spreads its influence too far, many more will die.”
It was true and Dante couldn't deny it, he still didn't want to get involved in another war that would only lead to yet another war, and then another one, “What's in it for us?”
Liasteri was handed a stack of tablets, “For starters, we have several business interests that are worth millions. Entirely yours, no strings attached. And yes, they are legitimate. We also give you command of tactical planning and execution. If you'd like we can also guarantee your entire unit safe haven within Bloody Legion, temporarily or permanently.”
A soldier handed over the tablets to Dante, who in turn called in Angel, “Are these good or not?” Digital licenses used to be easy to fake, but now it was all but impossible.
“Please send them inside, I cannot scan them.” Titus heard the conversation and took them inside the Albatross.
“I understand your trepedation, and I want you to know that we aren't lowballing you or trying to rip you off. We need your help more than you could ever know. The one-eyed human is still a terrifying threat to most of the galaxy, even your allies think three times about crossing you. Marie and your Goddess are especially afraid, any aid they provide would be nothing more than a few ships and lip service.”
“Liasteri, I don't think you understand why I'm tired of fighting in wars.”
She glared, “I know all too well.”
“Two weapons manufacturers, one small ship manufacturer, the licenses to several business districts on several planets, and a very well known construction company known for developing planets from nothing. A good deal.”
Dante sighed, “I assume you at least have a rudimentary plan for this assault?”
Liasteri nodded, “First, we isolate their presence on their recently 'occupied' planet. They broke several laws but somehow found a loophole. We found one as well. As long as a mercenary company is paid for protection, they are allow to take residence on a planet until that protection is no longer needed. We can keep their controlled continent alone without additional support. The next step, which should occur at the same time, is to evacuate any surviving locals. There won't be much. We checked.”
“Keep the war casualties to soldiers and enemies only then.”
“Exactly. A particular captain you may know has agreed to help, but he will need initial protection. That is where you first make your move. They will think that you simply agreed to be hired into that one job, it's very unlikely they will make a connection between us. After the locals are evacuated, we divide up into three units. This way we control the ground, sky, and additional shock routes. Our assault will be focused on the eastern coast only.”
It was a risky gamble for most, but established companies would usually attack one front heavily, then sneak in through the other as soon as most of the troops were moved. In this case, having protective mercenaries on the surrounding continent would makes this seem the logical move. Black Legion will keep their troops divided just in case, allowing the Bloody Legion to take a great deal of ground before the Black Legion can catch up. It was resonable at the very least.
“You are aware of their anti-aircraft technology, right? That's why they've never been conquered.” Dante didn't like the odds even with the plan, “Our ships would be shot out of the sky before we could get any troops on the ground.”
“Your initial part will be simple. The residents will have paid you to leave, so if they so much as take aim at your ship they'll have the entire galaxy raining hellfire down on them. The second part relies on ground troops. All anti-aircraft cannons are located near the shores. We did a sonar survey and found too much distortion near the center where the region is most mountainous. They would never land a single shot.”
“This is relying on a lot of theories. How well armed are your people?”
She smirked, “With your engineer's help, better than ever. Our shielding has also been upgraded. So what do you say? Will you help?”
“What do you all think?” The radio silence was enough of an answer, “Well, they have no objections. Send me the details and get your affairs in order.” He turned and began walking to the Albatross.
“Wait!”
“What now?”
Liasteri bowed down, something no leader should do in front of her soldiers, “I'm not the best at this, but you have no idea how much I appreciate it. I know we fight a lot, but I respect you. You always fought fair, no tricks.”
“Yeah, yeah. Talk to me when metal falls from the sky.”
On board the Albatross, Angel immediately walked up to him. This wouldn't have been odd, but Angel hadn't quite gotten used to legs yet, so it was stiff and wobbly at the same time, “Dante, I have transferred the current payments to a heavily encrypted account. In addition, David has been confined to the cells while Ciela and Quinn have been stripped of their weapons and armor. They await judgement in the lounge. We will depart shortly.” She stumbled back to the bridge.
“That girl needs to walk around more. Jean, how are the two refugees?”
She just came around the corner, “Nervous. One claims she knows you. The other one, uh, rank and file at best.”
“Great.”
In the lounge, Ratchet, Chey, and Cratis were keeping an eye on the two young women, even though they were completely harmless at this point. Dante did notice the rabbit as the young girl from many years before, “Oh, Commander Dante. I'm so happy you're still alive!”
“So you do know me. What are you doing with Fallen Sky? You're not really a fighter.”
Quinn looked down, “It was either this or living on the streets. Oh, but I'm a communications officer, so I don't do much fighting.”
Dante blew out some air and thought to himself. Angel had the entire bridge handled, but another pair of hands with some bedside manner might be useful in the long run. It would also free up Angel for any tasks Sere might have for her, “Well, you can join up if you want, I won't say know. We can use another person on the bridge.”
“What of me? I have no home, but I can fight.”
“Ciela, right? Thing is, I don't need a bland soldier that can follow orders. I can drop you off at a port, there are more than enough captains that could use someone like you. Zed might not mind.” Maybe the weasel would, she only seemed to like Sere, “Probably not. Someone will take you on though. Now that we're settled, I don't care what you do. Don't break anything, don't go snooping around, and don't do anything you aren't supposed to do in general, or Star will kill you.”
She didn't say anything, but Dante knew she was cloaked and in the corner. That was her favorite spot, “Uh, Captain Dante, sir, should I familiarize myself with the bridge?”
He shrugged, “Knock yourself out kid. Just don't piss off Angel. She'll snap you like a twig.”
“Dante, an incoming communication from Blakovich. It would seem that a human has come around asking for you.”
“A human? I don't know that many.”
“The message states that she is your true love. She is currently waiting for you at-”
Dante sighed again, “Another psycho. I can't get away can I? This one is a unique case though, someone took her from Earth and somehow has her travelling around. Send a message back, tell him to watch his back.” He paused, “Get Penteroth to investigate her background. They'll at least know if she's a danger to anyone but me.”
Victoria interrupted, “Do you think it's wise to confront her?”
“Do you think it's wise to get involved with a mercenary company that we've never worked with in order to take down another mercenary company that's allied with one of the largest military forces in the galaxy?”
The mink narrowed her eyes, “No, but at least we know what will happen there.”
“Liasteri is trustworthy, she just doesn't look like it. Maybe if she put on more clothing. Or removed 'bloody' from her company name.” Dante sat on a nearby stool, “I'm more worried about this assassin.”
A conclusion only he had reached, “Assassin? What are you talking about?” Chey wasn't known for stealthy activities or knowledge of them, but she knew a bad thing when she heard it. Even more, she trusted Dante to know it, “Just another human, right?”
“Nope. There are a handful of humans in the galaxy off of Earth. Only one knows what ship I'm on. Wendy would be spotted immediately in a docking scan. So lets look at facts, shall we?”
Ratchet nodded and shrugged at the same time, “Okay, so, a 'human' is basically an unfamiliar life form in most of the galaxy. Saying you're one to a bunch of port captains is easy enough. Knowing exactly which port Dante is headed to is really odd. So yeah, assassin.”
“This assassin will have to get through me first.” Victoria was unusually possessive, but only Dante noticed.
“Nope, I'll hand myself over. Get some info. Escape. The usual stuff.” He paused, “Kiya! Is the food ready or not?!”
“One minute captain sir.” Came the whispered echo from the kitchen. The lamia could cook, but she was as boring as she could possibly be.
Sere finally made her way up to the lounge, covered in oil, metal shavings, and various other bits of materials. Everyone knew better than to ask, Sere was a perfectionist when it came to her creations, “So, what's up? Someone trying to kill you again?”
“At least one person.”
“Oh, well, that should be funny. Let me know if they have any gold or silver, hell copper would do. I'm working on something interesting. The Arc Cannon. Neat, eh?” She poured herself a drink from the bar, which Ciela did not expect, “Electricity fired in a concentrated beam. Not sure about the voltage or size yet, the name's just a placeholder.”
“It better arc between targets with that placeholder.” Dante walked over and fixed himself a drink as well. Sere froze, “Didn't even think of that, did you? Make it work with shielding or something.”
The dragon gave Dante a peck on the cheek and ran off, “Why are you all drinking?! That is highly unsafe!”
Jill looked exhausted, but still tried to speak, “Because what's the fun of shooting if you don't have a buzz?” She wasn't exhausted. She was drunk.
Zero Unit raised their glasses, which always seemed to materialize in their hands whenever a gun wasn't taking up that precious space, “Our motto.” Dante was nonchalant, “Besides, you can get on a normal ship after this.”
“How have you all survived this long?! The OSX-356 was stocked with well trained soldiers, discipline and skill all crammed together. You lot can barely stand up straight most of your day. Oh, and walking up to enemies and assassins like nothing's the matter. You don't even wear armor! What's wrong with all of you?!”
Dante shrugged and refilled his glass, “We're just better. Ol' Good David was never much of a leader. Good soldier, but no leader. Probably only took the position as an easy way out.”
The tiger was furious. She obviously had some sort of desire for joining a military, but she wasn't smart enough to act on her own. She was oblivious to how expendable she really was, “Food is ready, I'm bringing the cart up now.”
It was only a minute before a tall snake woman slithered into the lounge while pushed a metal cart loaded with plates of food, “She's a refugee in case you're wondering. Thanks for cooking.”
“Captain Dante, it is my job on this ship to cook and only to cook. I don't need thanks.”
“All the same, thanks. You're part of my crew, you get credit. Now get Sere up here, I'm tired of her complaining about not getting food.”
Kiya's face was morbid, “That girl doesn't know how to bathe properly. When she does I'll make her something to eat.”
“I heard that!” Sere stomped up the thin stairs to the engineering hold, “And I know how to bathe, I'm just busy all the time.” Somehow she was dirtier than a minute ago. Sere snatched up a plate and started eating, dirty hands and all.
Kiya simply gazed at her as a mother would do to a disobedient child, “When you get sick, don't ask me for help again.”
Chey spit out her drink, “You had to ask for help 'cause you ate oil or some shit?!” This was followed by excessive laughter.
Sere wasn't even fazed. She glared back and kept eating, “You ladies have fun, I'm going to go relax with my food. Let me know who kills who.” Dante took his food and made his way to the bridge.
Quinn was getting adjusted while Angel kept an eye on all of the important functions of the Albatross, “Everything is proceeding well. We should be approximately 4.345 minutes ahead of schedule as long as the solar patterns continue.”
“Good, keep it on track. I'm asking for a full report in person when we dock, then we're restocking and assessing our situation. Liasteri isn't going to make a move for quite some time, but she knows the value of a ticking clock better than anyone. The protection mercenaries are already en route, so I'd say we have no more than a month of preparation.”
“You assessment is accurate, Dante. Maintaining current speed and trajectory, I will inform you of any changes or notifications from allies.”
Quinn was fiddling with something, “I don't understand this at all, this is custom, right?”
“As custom as it gets.”
“Right. I'm going to need a lot of help understanding all of the details, but I can at least get incoming messages and send them out. The encryption is worrying me though.”
“Learn fast or be a messenger girl. Doesn't matter to me, Angel's got this handled.” He opened the latch near the hall and climbed the ladder down to the captain's quarters. More isolated and larger, but not really much different. Same chrome walls, trophy board, larger bed, and same size bathroom. He sat on a chair and started to eat.
“Are you alone?”
“Yep.”
“Good. It's not that I don't trust your people, but I feel that you need to be the only one hearing this.”
“Spit it out rabbit woman.”
“My name is Liasteri.”
“I know what I said.” Dante took a bite. The communicator was passed to him secretly, only Liasteri knows about it.
“The DMC is moving, heard they lost control of the Goliath. Pummeled into oblivion, lots of lost lives. Guess your little plan was over-ambitious.”
“Or they played up their craftsmanship a little too well. A hard candy shell with a hollow interior.”
“Exactly. Worse, this was exposed to almost every other military and mercenary company out there. The DMC is circling the drain as we speak.”
“Ripe territory. What's your game?”
“Our little discussion in private a few weeks ago, remember? The DMC was a 'do what we say, not what we do' organization, and that's all well and good, but we need something better. Someone to watch over everyone.”
Dante took another bite, “I already told you I'm okay with it once you get everything planned out and set up. We'd need an army at our disposal, a small one, and technology.”
“Been in contact with Isa. I figure, the Siren II is currently the most powerful ship in the galaxy with its cannon, and only she can activate it. I bet I can get her on board. A few smaller captains may be interested as well. With all of that combined, we could have a knoledge network that spreads further than any individual network. Knowledge is power after all is said and done.”
“You can do that work. I have an assassin to face.”
“I've even picked out the uniform. We must look official if we are to be taken seriously.”
“Words cannot express how little I care, so keep it to yourself Liasteri.”