IBC Chpt 7-2

==Iron Blooded Commander - Chapter 7.2 -It's a Horror movie trope, not to see the monster until the end.==
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===Catching up from the fighting===
Treshira Mountain Military BaseVindemiatrix, Lyran Commonwealth3021
As the sun was still rising over the horizon my company was still partying after their victory.
 
"D-did you hear him scream, 'POOOOOOOTS!' I was dying! I was literally hanging onto the back of the Vulcan, trying not to get squashed after it's freakout. But I swear it was harder to keep from laughing than it was to hold on." 
 
"Yeah sorry about that, Sam. The stupid det charge shifted in my grip and banged on the mech, that pilot was so jumpy she flipped out! I had to jump onto a tree and stay still in order to not get caught. I'm really lucky it shot in the wrong directions!
 
"Oh it's fine! Totally fine, worth it for hearing that scream 'POOOOOTS'"! She burst into giggles again, nearly crying in hysterical laughter. 
 
They all had stories like that from tonight. 
 
"So there I was, on the shoulder of a damn Firestarter. Seriously the mechs moved so slow through the forest it was childsplay to get ahead of them and just jump on them, anyway so there I am, kneeling on the shoulder of a moving Battlemech, trying not to fall, or get knocked off, and I pull out the det charge. Now there is a putty you are supposed to use on the magnet, and I swore I had put some on the damn thing, but when I attach it? CLUNK. I thought for sure I had just screwed it all up that I was gonna die, but their glorious leader! This part is my favorite, the Firestarter starts freaking out about something on his mech, and their glorious leader just tells him to stop fucking around!"
 
"No, my favorite bit is Lendens charge!" Erica offered with a laugh.
 
The burst of laughter from the entire group at their friends' expense echoed through the room Lenden who had long gotten sick of hearing about his 'exploits' had enough and chucked the remains of his meal at the girl, coating her in crumbs from the crumbly bread. "Eww...Lenden, that is gonna get in my armor!"
 
"Don't care. It's not funny." He hissed but was ignored as she continued anyways.
 
"So the enemy Vulcan is all alone, in a scary forest that is now on fire, and let me tell you, I am so glad we got away from the fire because that was nasty. So the Vulcan is all alone, screaming her head off on the radio, just absolutely horror movie scream, blasting fire at anything she can see. Lasers going off, her 'mech is probably this close to overheating." Erica continues the story despite Lenden's assault.
 
"Then Benny goes over Comms. 'Lenden, take out the Vulcan as soon as the next barrage of LRMs come down.' So Lenden goes in, Benny on his six, me right behind them. Bursts out of the burning forest right in front of the Vulcan, that just got a full hit of LRMs but she is still up and if you thought she was screaming before!"
 
"That's not all, what did she end up screaming at him? It was Japanese right?"
 
"Something about White Devil?" Samantha offered. "I don't know exactly, I only know enough to fleece the snakes on Solaris."
 
"White Devil? What does that mean?"
 
"No idea, anyways, so she just absolutely loses it screaming about the white devil and full on Alpha's at Lenden."
 
"Erica, don't you dare."
 
"So Lenden SCREAMS like a girl! Completely high pitched, I think he hit higher than she did, and releases a full alpha back in return!"
 
"No! He didn't!" Carl gasped in delight, he had been chasing after the fucking Shadow Hawk at this point, only barely able to keep up thanks to his Jump jets, and the Shadow Hawks slow pace.
 
"HE DID! In the middle of a forest fire, with a Flamer burning his chest. He let's it rip. And get this, this is the best part."
 
"ERICA!" Lenden yelled as he tried to jump the table only to find himself pinned between Carl, and Richard, both of whom were grinning as they held him back effortlessly, the NightHawk armor giving them more than enough strength to hold him back.
 
"So he ALPHAS and MISSES EVERY SHOT. Then his mech immediately shuts down because he is WAAAY over heated. The Vulcan! Oh god this is the funniest part. She overheats too!"
 
"What?! No way that happened."
 
"It did actually." Benny offered from where he was relaxing back his feet up. "Never seen two mechs overheat at each other before. They nearly crashed into each others cockpit. That was how close the two were. Erica took out the Vulcan with her SRMs while it was overheated and once it was disabled we dragged the Vulcan out of the fire while Lenden kept trying to cool down."
 
"Dammit! Don't tell them it happened like that. It was a fierce battle in a forest fire! It's an awesome story, don't tell it like we both just screamed at each other and overheated!"
 
"But that's what happened!" Carl chuckled.
 
"The pilot not punching out is the weirdest part."
 
"Oh yeah it took like an hour to force her out of the cockpit. Since we couldn't use the Nighthawks."
 
"Wait, why not?"
 
"Well it seemed kind of wrong to just kill her when she was freaking out so bad, if she saw the Nighthawks we would have to."
 
While Lenden tackled Carl ineffectually, the two wrestling each other despite Lenden not making any headway against Carl's NightHawk strength, the stories continued.
 
"Ugh, at least you idiots didn't have to deal with the Javelin." Hanna groaned on the couch. "That fucker ran so far. I thought he was going to get out of the Commander's Sensor range!"
 
"Yeah what happened with that? He was following along once we left the hut, but then he suddenly stopped and as soon as his lance was out of sight he started running the other direction." 
"No idea, I didn't exactly ask when I caught up with him, but probably the same reason the Shadow Hawk took off. They realized they were had and wanted to run." 
 
"A bunch of cowards is what they are!" Hanna hissed. "If the two mechs had stayed and fought, they still would have lost, but at least they would have died with some honor in their blood!"
 
"Not everyone has Iron Blood, you know, Hanna." I offered as I finally spoke up. "Alright everyone it's late, or early depending on how you view it, and while you all can stay up and screw around all you like I have to wake up in a few hours and deal with politics, and argue over our salvage. Delta! Make sure your hawks are put away before any curious government officials show up! The rest of you, enjoy your night err-morning!"
 
"Night, Commander!"
 
"Night, Vicky, sleep well!"
 
I walked out of the commissary groaning as my back ached, I had been forced to grab the Locust and deconstruct our FOB once we had secured everything. I didn't want even a chance of a flyby coming over to see it. Still it had taken a while, and now I was exhausted, and yet still had to be ready for the politics to begin soon.
 
I headed to the Norman truck we had been using. I had no interest in using the damn barracks here, they were full of Pirate stink. I created a sleeping bag in the bed of the truck using my Noteputer. Slowly pulled off my armor and pump section of my Cooling suit, once I was comfortable I lay down, between the suit, and the warm planet, it wasn't too bad. I settled in for a nap for a few hours.
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===An Invitation===
"Vicky, wake up! Mr. Carolus is about thirty minutes out, apparently they want to come inspect the base to make sure everything is as it should be." Benny told me, fighting back a yawn as he shook me lightly.
 
"Yeah yeah I 'm up." I grumble wiping the sleep from my eyes. Yesterday had been a long long day. The prep, the battle, the cleanup. We hadn't even bothered moving the enemy 'mechs. The Shadow Hawk was still in a river apparently, and the Javelin was a smoking wreck a few mountains away, we were gonna leave that to the Planetary Guard.
 
I stretched out slowly, staggering to my feet after sticking my boots on my feet. First thing first I headed inside, to use the facilities, before coming back out feeling a little more refreshed so I could put my armor back on.
 
Looking the part once more I passed many of my crew slumbering around the yard, some had stolen the other Normans truck bed to crash in, some had simply found a comfortable enough spot in the cafeteria, none had chosen to use the pirates former barracks.
 
I could already see the dust trail climbing up the mountain as I turned to Benny. "You get any sleep?"
 
"No. I tried for a nap, but I was too wired up. I'll sleep after."
 
"This might take a while."
 
"Then I'll be tired for a while."
 
That was that. Benny was being all protective. Probably imagining how these guys were going to try and screw us over.
 
The convoy of military vehicles rolled in, a tank in the lead, although that rolled off to the side to let the rest come in once it seemed to notice there were no threats left. The fourth or fifth vehicle depending on how you count it was the same fancy hover car that I was sure belonged to the Colonel that thought we were a joke.
 
Fun.
 
The vehicles stopped, and it wasn't just officials that stepped out, one of the trucks disgorged a horde of soldiers that started immediately going through the base. I ignored them. My only focus was on the two important people.
 
"Mr. Carolus, Colonel Maruska."
 
"Commander! When my aide woke me up in the middle of the night to tell me the mission was complete I was shocked! I had to have them verify your message a few times before I was sure it wasn't some mistake!"
 
"It was just a lance of Pirates, Mr Carolus, it was nothing truly concerning." I digress before the Colonel pushed the aide to the side.
 
"I don't believe it. I don't see their BattleMechs, or any wrecks around here, hell your 'mechs look untouched, well where are the pirate 'mechs, let me guess they disappeared somehow escaping into the mountains?" He hissed and I blinked completely nonplussed. 
 
"How dare you!" Benny reacted before I could break the tension. My SubCommander pushed past me, glaring into the face of the older man. "We fought for you and your planet, killed and defeated a Pirate band that has been causing you problems for months and the first word out of your mouth is to dismiss our honor!"
 
Before the Colonel could continue we all were interrupted, a van pulled through the military cordon, a large 'VDX III' on the side. As it stopped, out stepped what was a very recognizable sight. A reporter, followed by a cameraman immediately rushed over. 
 
"Cynthia Cinus, of VDX III news! Can I get a statement about the defeat the of the Red Vultures?" She demanded shoving a microphone into the Colonel's face seeking answers. 
 
Fuck reporters.
 
"How did you get here?" He demanded instead ignoring her question. "This is a military matter. Shut that camera off, or I will have you arrested!" But before any of the troops could move in the reporter responded calmly as if this was all expected.
 
"We were called here by Governor Maruska's office. He wanted an immediate news report about the defeat of the Red Vulture Pirates." She replied simply, offering the Colonel a gentle smile. "Shall we start again? Your father's orders were quite firm."
 
The Colonel took a moment to take a deep breath before the tension in his shoulders disappeared. "Of course, Miss Cinus? Go ahead, let's start again."
 
"Perfect!" She turned to the Camera, "This is Cynthia Cinus, on site of the Treshira Military Mountainous Training Academy that has recently been the base for the infamous Red Vulture pirates! The Vultures after their Dropship malfunction fled into the mountains and claimed this base with gunfire, now thanks to the forethought and action of Governor Maruska who hired a Mercenary Company to clear the base we are safely standing in what was just yesterday a pirate base! Behind me is Colonel Maruska, the son of our beloved Governor and also the contact for the mercenaries! Colonel, what are your thoughts now that the Pirates have been defeated?"
 
I could see the Colonel swallow back his first response. "I am very pleased that the Pirate threat is dealt with, although we are still securing the location to ensure that none of the pirates managed to escape, or left any traps, so we are acting as carefully as we can. Now that they have been defeated, there is no point in allowing anyone else to come to harm just because we rushed."
 
"A wise choice, Colonel! Some say relying on Mercenary forces rather than our own guard to defeat the pirates shows weakness, but in just one day of landing the pirates are already defeated, what are your thoughts on our Mercenary saviors?"
 
Oh that was a rough question for the hostile Colonel.
 
"I am pleased at my fathers foresight in picking a Mercenary Company capable of handling the pirates, while we have not completely confirmed the pirates destruction we are standing in the base they once held against us, and they are nowhere in sight, once our men have finished confirming their destruction we will of course be ready to celebrate the end of this disgusting attack!"
 
Huh, he wasn't a bad public speaker. He didn't sound nearly as whiny as he usually did.
 
"Fantastic! You heard it here first folks! A celebration for finally making our planet safe again! And speaking of, Are you a member of our heroic mercenaries?" She asked turning to me, and I could see the Colonel move to interrupt, but I beat him to it.
 
"Victoria Eisen-Blume, Commander and founder of the Iron Blooded Orphans. We are pleased to have been able to protect our fellow Lyran Citizens from the Red Vultures." I chirp out offering a warm smile, putting every ounce of 'just because I'm a little kid, doesn't make me not competent' into my voice.
 
"Oh! Aren't you just the most fascinating! Commander you say? How did you become the Commander of a Mercenary Group at such a young age?"
 
"We started off with some luck, my mother was a Lostech hunter in her spare time, when she wasn't a Solaris Jock. She never had a big find, but she had collected enough bits and bobs she never did anything with. She sent me the information on where her stash was located when I turned fourteen. I sold most of it off, bought my first Battlemech, and my family at the orphanage all joined my Company. We started with just two mechs as we left Solaris, we now have a full Lance, and then some, not counting our other units, Infantry, motorized, armored, artillery, the only thing we don't have on the field is air support, but we have a few units being trained as we speak with the 10th Skye Rangers. So we will be a complete Combined Arms Company soon enough."
 
"Amazing! To have done so much as an orphan! And you brought other orphans into your Company! How many men are under your command?"
 
"I believe the last numbers were around three-fifty, or so. We had a large increase in recruitment when we fended off a League raid on Zaniah III, where we have a landhold. The orphans of the planet came because they wanted to fight for their world too. We didn't turn any of them away."
 
"So many! How impressive! Did you take part in the battle last night?"
 
"Not as such, we took this mission to gain some experience, not just for our main lance of mechwarriors, but for a secondary lance as well. Erica Tesla piloted the Locust that was my original mech during this battle. I stayed back letting my people complete this mission without me looking over their shoulder."
 
"Is your Company expanding so fast that you need a second Lance of Mechs?"
 
"Well, considering we have a good salvage contract for this mission, we will likely walk away with at least one or two new mechs. So making sure we have the mechwarriors to pilot them was a priority."
 
"How amazing! You heard it here first! The Iron Blooded Orphans our own smashers of Pirates are made up of orphans out of Solaris 7!"
 
"I think that is enough of that, Miss Cinus, please step back to your vehicle until we have finished clearing this site, the… Commander and I have business to discuss." The Colonel offered with a stiff smile, as the reporter took the hint and returned to her van.
 
"Oh? You don't want to praise your fathers foresight in hiring us more?" I tease which earned me a swift glare.
 
"Don't, girl. Don't. Don't think I can't have that broadcast altered at any time to tell the story about how a group of children made allies with the pirates and let them escape. I still don't see any of the pirate mechs, and none of my men have reported them, so you better have an explanation!"
 
I turned to Mr. Carolus who looked worried at the change in the Colonels' tact. "Is this how you treat all of your mercenaries you hire? Insult them constantly, after they completed the job, are you hoping for some sort of outburst so you can get out of payment? I assure you that won't be happening."
 
"No no! That is not it at all!" Mr. Carolus looked quite stressed at this point. "Please Commander peace, we greatly appreciate you helping our people-"
 
"Shut up, Virgil! No one wants to hear your bleating. Girl, I will not ask again where are the mechs?! If you think we are goin-"
 
"Benny?" I ask, interrupting this idiot's rant as I held a hand out, Benny pulled a piece of paper out of the pocket of his armor and handed it over. I glanced over it for a moment before walking past the Colonel who had once more tried to invade my personal space to hand it to Mr. Carolus. 
 
"Oh. Umm Commander, what is this exactly?"
 
"It is the current coordinates of every pirate 'mech. Most of them are just a little west of here in the forest, although the fire made securing them difficult. One is a bit farther away, the Javelin tried to run mid-battle we had to hunt him down. The last a Shadow Hawk is currently hidden in a river. The Pirate leader attempted to bail mid-combat as well, but we tracked him down to a hut about twenty miles from here."
 
"Why wouldn't you secure the 'mechs yourself! Is this some trick!?" The Colonel once more tried to interrupt but I was done playing whatever game he was aiming for.
 
"Mr. Carolus. I am going to take my men and return to the base you supplied us as we recover from the battle, it would be in your best interest not to bring the Colonel to any further meetings, at this point, I will not be doing business as long as he is around." 
 
"Ah Commander, please don't take it so personally, the Colonel just has a strong personality that's all!" The aide attempted to brush this under the rug, but I was quite done being insulted. 
 
"I'll give you a few days to recover the mechs before we meet to discuss salvage. And Mr. Carolus. If the Colonel is present, I will be contacting an MRB representative to act in my place."
 
"You bitch! Don't talk as if you have any-"
 
For once the aide was smart. Mr. Carolus moved before the Colonel could do more than approach and grabbed his arm. "Understood Commander. We will talk in just a few more days!"
 
"Benny, go gather everyone up. I know some of them just went to sleep, but I don't want to be here. Let's get everyone back to a more secure location." I whisper as I pull him close.
 
"Understood Commander."
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===Confronting False Narrative===
Treshira mountainsVindemiatrix, Lyran Commonwealth
"It's weird."
 
"It's cool! Check it out Commander, your interview is getting crazy popular!"
 
Watching my face, my body, move on future television was so weird. More than a few news reporters and daytime TV analysts had spoken over what they had seen from me. Quite a few had questions about my 'rather interesting armored uniform!' during the talks.
 
I felt a little proud that my very not 80s style was getting some interest. Although not all of it was positive. At least it was eye-catching.
 
"No, it's weird. People all over the planet are watching me right now."
 
"Yeah it's great!" Erica was sitting beside me at the base's recreation room. We were both bored as we were stuck waiting for a response from the Governor's office, so I had found myself wandering around meeting with my people. Erica had been watching the news of all things.
 
About them.
 
"So these kids are out fighting the good Lyran fight, against the enemies of the Commonwealth! I support this! But they are still children, the fact they were the ones who fought these pirates and not older soldiers of the Commonwealth is a grievous sin!" One of the hosts argued, the man looked like an ex-soldier, with his scarred face, but he spoke with a gentle rhythm.
 
"I don't condone children fighting any more than you do Mark, but you say that as if we should just bar them from any contract, what then? Let's just refuse to give the orphans contracts and cut them off entirely, because we are afraid they might be hurt! That will kill them as surely as any enemy of the Commonwealth!" The second host offered, she was an older woman, her hair just starting to go gray, but she had a strong poise, and a powerful voice.
 
"No! Don't put words in my mouth! I am not saying refuse them jobs, I am saying it is disappointing that our brave soldiers are having to be supported by children! These kids should be safe in a good home, with parents to take care of them, and a school to learn how to be soldiers when they are older!" 
 
"On that Mark we agree, but it's already happened, the Iron Blooded Orphans are already out there. The question I have is, what are we the Commonwealth citizens, patriots even, going to do about that?" She asked.
 
"Support them!" The third report added in, "As the elders of the Commonwealth it is our duty to guide children to the future, no matter what profession they choose. There is no reason we can't support them in their path, and perhaps prevent a tragedy." 
 
"A tragedy is exactly why these children should not be doing this work! Children do not belong on the battlefield!" 
 
On that, all of the hosts seemed to agree. Although none could seem to decide on what to do with us. 
 
"Do you think they will try to stop us, Commander? Take our 'mechs, or equipment?" Erica asked after a while. 
 
"Doubtful. There are plenty of laws protecting our right to our own belongings. At worst they can try, which they won't succeed regardless of what they do, so I wouldn't worry about it."
 
It was a quiet minute as Erica seemed to be gathering her strength to say something. "They never cared before you know?"
 
"Yeah. We didn't matter before, but we do now. Erica, as long as I am alive, I promise you and every other orphan will matter. I will make the world… Well I guess all the worlds acknowledge our existence."
 
Erica had always been a little mousy, she had been shy in the orphanage, and had been shy on base, although productive. I don't think I had ever seen her look fierce.
 
I did then.
 
"Next time we fight Commander, I'll be ready. I learned a lot from last night's battle. I won't hesitate so much, or make as many mistakes. Next time! Next time I'll be better!"
 
"I know." I couldn't help but feel so proud of the girl's fierceness. She had grown so much already from the girl who had freaked out when she learned what it meant to be a Mechwarrior to now. A girl more than ready to jump onto a battlefield again.
 
"Vicky! We got a messenger from that Carolus guy. They want to meet with you." Benny called out while jogging into the room. 
 
"Oh. Good, did they say when and where?"
 
"Yeah, Now. They have a VTOL waiting outside to take you to Brattleson's Depot. Apparently that's the Planetary Capital? I think the Governor wants to talk this time… Vicky? This smells like a trap."
 
"Nah, probably not, but it does seem off. Benny, make sure everyone is suited up, lock down the base, and make sure at least two mechs are hot and ready at all times until I call you or get back."
 
"That I can do, Commander. Good luck."
 
"I don't need luck, Benny. I have a mercenary company."
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===Urgent Summons===
Planetary Capital City of Brattleston Depot
Flying directly into the capital was an interesting experience. At least this Karnov VTOL didn't make me want to die. The flight was actually quite pleasant, even having an on board stewardess to supply me with food and drink.
Apparently this was the Governor's personal transport.
 
It was pretty nice.
 
We landed not at an airport but literally at the planetary governor's palace. As I was led out I felt this could only be getting more serious.
 
I was guided through the large entryway but stopped before being able to enter any further. An obvious bodyguard held up a hand. "Any weapons need to be left here."
I did have to stop and think about it for a moment, but I nodded, slipping my laser pistol off my hip, and the VibroBlade out of my sheath on my thigh, dropping them on the counter specified before they ran a scanner over my body.
 
It didn't beep and a moment later I was being led further inside. I was led into a room that looked like it was made for important meetings. A large wooden table with four men sitting at one end, and a single chair at the other for me.
 
I smirked, oh this was going to be interesting. Fearlessly I strode in, armor not making a single noise as I sauntered up to the chair to claim it. 
 
The Governor of Vindemiatrix was an older man, and he was sitting across from me at the head of the table. Beside him was his son the Colonel. Interesting. On the other side was a man wearing a Lyran army uniform, from his markings I believed he was probably a general of some sort, either an actual one, or just a social general.
 
Standing behind the Governor was Mr. Carolus. Hands full of papers and seemingly ready to move in.
 
It was quiet for a moment. The old man was watching me with strong brown eyes. Realizing he was either making a power play on me, or simply letting me speak first I went ahead and took it.
 
"Before we begin. Shall I contact ComStar and the MRB now, or do you wish to attempt to persuade me not to first, before I do it anyways?"
 
My my. That was quite a reaction. The governor's neutral face grew quite annoyed, and I could see a flush run up the Colonels neck. Double interesting.
 
"Neither option will be required… I was informed about your request regarding Mark not being involved in any negotiation going forward. That will be honored. He is only here for one important task. Mark!" The old man's voice was gravel. Whiskey over rocks. 
 
It was a pleasant voice. The harsh tone at the end was less so. I would not wish to be this man's underling and hear that tone, that is for sure.
 
"Commander Eisen-Blume." The Colonel stood gathering my attention. "On behalf of the Barony of Maruska, I wish to offer my personal apologies for my actions to you and your company over the last week. I will offer no excuse other than I was having personal issues that had no connection to you, or yours. You did my planet, my family, and my people a service."
 
I blinked. Very interesting. This is not how I thought this meeting would go. Reasonable nobles? Strange. Then again I realized. It was kind of hard to be aggressive against a group of mercenaries that were capable of doing a job that your entire military couldn't.
 
I wonder if they even had any 'mechs left active after the raid. From my understanding the Original Red Vultures had dropped on the planet in multiple DropShips. Letting loose a massive pirate raid. 
 
In the end they had taken or damaged a majority of the planet's defenses and if not for the DropShip failure in the end would have left with all of it.
 
Instead the pirates had lost a good chunk of their loot when the DropShip failed.
 
So this planet's defenses may be particularly vulnerable until the LCAF sends reinforcements.
 
"I make it a policy, Colonel, to never pay more for something than needed. Peace can be an expensive purchase when ego, or revenge get involved. I accept your apology."
 
The man bowed, "We are going to respect your wishes. Good day Commander." He offered as he stood from the seat and walked out of the room.
 
"Interesting." I couldn't help myself.
 
"Oh?" The old man rumbled and I smiled at his voice despite myself.
 
"I do believe that is the first time I ever had nobility bow their head to me."
 
"It will likely not be the last." He offers "Shall we get to business then Commander Eisen-Blume?"
 
"That is what I am here for Governor Maruska."
 
Mr. Carolus moved forward then. "Eh hmm. The Salvage for this contract is as follows. 1. Shadow Hawk… Pristine condition. 1. Vulcan, Damaged condition. 1. Firestarter, Cockpit damage… 1. Javelin, Heavily damaged condition. 1. Panther, heavily damaged condition. 1 Locust… Pristine Condition." Mr. Carolus took a moment to clear his throat again after reading off the list, his stutters over the pristine condition had me smiling, I didn't even bother trying to hide it.
 
It was not very often that 'salvage' was perfectly working and undamaged mechs. Even if they are hardly as pristine as I might normally think, pirates aren't known for their maintenance work after all.
 
"Per the Contract the Vedette tanks that were operated by the Pirates are not treated as salvage as they were commandeered vehicles from our planetary Militia."
 
"Yes, I remember."
 
 He seemed quite relieved when I agreed and moved on. "Per the Contract, Salvage clause, 60% shares of all captured hardware are to be offered to the Iron Blooded Company upon completion of this contract with the Iron Blooded Company receiving first pick…" Mr. Carolus trailed off for a moment before the Governor spoke.
 
 "We wish to discuss a mitigation of the salvage if possible."
 
I leaned back. That was quite audacious. But not unexpected. I doubt they thought I would capture so many of the mechs in working condition.
 
"You are asking for a lot."
 
"We are aware." The old man's rumbling voice let out a weary sigh. "You did Excellent work. For us to act this way? It is an embarrassment I hope I will not live long enough to repeat."
 
"That's.. Candid of you."
 
He nodded slowly, and as he did I noticed that despite his eyes being quite striking, his body wasn't as strong as it appeared at first glance, his hands shook as he reached out to grab a glass of water on the table. Although the shaking dimmed. His hands never quite stood still. "We would like to claim the mechs. In total." He finally offered.
 
"If you hadn't just admitted to being embarrassed I would think you shameless. I will need more of an explanation than that before I even consider it. Especially what I would receive in exchange."
 
"You are aware that the reason the pirates were stuck on my world is because of a DropShip failure. While many of the Pirates managed to rally together and break out and take over the military base. Many of them were trapped inside the damaged dropship." He took a sip of water as a slight break. "We have had them in our custody for months now. Pirates are not known for their eternal loyalty, especially when they have no hope of rescue, or escape."
 
I nodded. I think I understood where he was going with this. "You know where the pirates are based out of."
 
"I do. The Red Vultures have been preying on my people for over a decade. But now, we know where to strike back. And they have never been weaker. I would like you to consider taking a second contract while we put a hold on payment for the first. A contract to assist my military in an anti-pirate action."
 
"You are asking me to not be paid for this mission, only to take another more dangerous mission." 
 
"I know. I did claim embarrassment in having to do so. Perhaps it's more accurate to say desperation. I am old, young lady. In another few years I will be unable to lead, it will be up to my son to take over and protect my people. My son, that will take over a planet that has little defenses left. Even when the LCAF sends reinforcements, it may be too late then. When the Pirates eventually realize we have captured some of their people? They may already be planning on moving, once they do? We will be back to the same situation, a pirate raid every year or two. Claiming more of my people. Putting my family in danger."
 
I sighed. There was really only one option I could take here. Asking to not pay me, and then send me against even more pirates? What kind of moron? What kind of insane fool would accept that?
 
"You are in luck, Governor, sob stories happen to be a weakness of mine. And killing pirates a strength. Let's talk about a new contract, and the assurances I will require."
 
Me I guess.
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Chapter 7-2