Argos Defense Services

Elysium Commonwealth

Argos Defense Services, or simply, Argos Company, is a massive private military organization based primarily within the Elysium Sector. They stand as one of the quadrant's largest and most heavily armed military forces as of recent years.

At one time, they stood as one of the few independent organizations that could stand on equal footing with other galactic entries, and in one case, even besting them.

Originally, they were founded officially as an Odysseus & Associates subsidiary primarily operating within the Elysium Sector. They were forced to go independent from the corporate giant ways after massive anti-trust suits were leveled at Odysseus in the 2320s. Despite this, they became highly successful as an independent Military Group.

However, as of 2388, after their near-complete destruction during the Starvis Incident. They were brutally cut down to a mere shadow of their former selves. This husk of a company was soon brought back under the Odysseus corporate umbrella and was heavily restructured under the watchful and vicious eyes of its new master, Natalia Tanaka-Devon, daughter of the powerful Fatoumata Tanaka-Solon.

Now, they are a common sight around any of Odysseus' facilities. Seen as the iron hand of the corporate mega-giant that sprawls over Elysium and its surrounding Sectors. Doing whatever it takes to secure and further the interests of the greater Odysseus Corporation, at any cost.

# History

Argos is among one of the longest standing modern mercenary organizations still active at the interstellar stage in current times. As such, their history is long and varied.

### Elysian Commonwealth 2388-Present

With the collapse and disbanding of the Elysium Combine in 2386, Argos was simply a husk of a corporate entity. Suffering extreme losses during the Starvis Incident.

The following years were utter chaos for once military mega-giant, with the Starvis incident and the resulting Automata Crisis, Odysseus was easily able to quickly buyout what remained of Argos as the once ruling Civil Council and Corporate Administration Board were effectively abolished once the provisional governments were hastily established by the occupying external powers after the 2386 UGC Emergency Accords.

Odysseus, under new leadership under Fatoumata Tanaka-Solon following the death of her mother and CEO of Odysseus, Delphine Tanaka-Solon, during the Starvis Incident. Would lead Odysseus, the only Elysian mega-corp that was somewhat spared from the destruction. Choose to undergo many mergers and buy-outs of the various Elysian Corporations that were suffering from the countless catastrophes in the 2380s and 2390s, allowing itself to expand ten-fold.

With the collapse and disbanding of the Elysium Combine in 2387, the Olympian Navy was hit the hardest during the Third Corporate War and later, the Starvis Incident. Taking a massive toll on their forces. The Olympian Navy was disbanded after a remaining majority of them backed the Olympian Coup in 2388 due to the Automata Crisis that resulted in the destruction of millions of Synthetic lives along with the deaths of their organic supporters and sympathizers.

The public suffered severely as many of the occupying Tri-Enterpises, UGC Peacekeeper, and Kanad Collective forces, already suffering from the Starvis Incident and its aftermath, saw it as justified retribution while the increasingly popular Anti-Synthetic sentiment felt galaxy-wide only furthered their fury and thus, their acts of wanton violence.

Meanwhile, Fatoumata, the new effective leader of Odysseus, saw her weaken Empire without Military protection, sought to take what remained of the Olympian Navy still somewhat loyal to the fractured Elysian Sector, and roll them into Argos with Voss Solon-Santiago the Third, a revered veteran of the past Corporate Wars, and cousin to Fatoumata was made Executive of Argos. Fatoumata then focused her efforts on rebuilding the vulnerable Corporate Empire.

Soon, Voss would transform the insubstantial remains of Argos into a larger and greater organization as the years worsen for the Elysium Sector with demands for armed forces within the fledgling Sector grew more and more desperate as the rate of pirate raids skyrocketed among the already crippled Elysian periphery, driving the need for armed protection as the occupying powers found themselves spread dangerously fighting off near-constant attacks coming again and again from a reinvigorated renegade quadrant.

One of the far riskier and later successful merger was that of the Hiscan Guard/Odysseus Deal of 2394. The territory of the Hiscan Conglomerate, formerly under the rule of the Tri-Enterprises. Allowed itself to become a vassal state to the Elysian Commonwealth while its military assets, the Hiscan Guard, were slowly merged into the Argos, boosting its manpower and resources exponentially.

While this was a highly controversial decision, even amongst those at the top of Elysian Commonwealth itself. This merger between the Odysseus Corporation and the Hiscan Guard was eventually allowed by the UGC Council and the occupying factions as the Olympian Coup turned more and more bloody by the day, the rise of pirate attacks, rising tensions between the Elysian Commonwealth and the Tri-Enterprises, and the fact that the occupying powers could not simply spare the resources in the direct protection of the Elysian Sector for too much longer as these factors and more were used as the reasoning to this consolidation of power.

Further reasoning that was used was that the UGC peacekeeper forces were unable to mobilize an effective response to any rise in tension due to the terrible losses suffered they suffered during the Second Kanad-Sanghvi War and the Starvis Incident. Rising fears of a Civil War within the Kanad Collective meant that the UGC could do little else than watch if such a war broke out between the Elysian Commonwealth and Tri-Enterprises.

Thus the Odysseus Corporation and by extension, Argos Company, was allowed its massive expansion to allow Elysium to properly protect itself and help the Elysian Commonwealth's newly created Halcyon Defence Forces to maintain order and to keep the sector under UGC influence. For the Tri-Enterprises fell more and more into civil unrest and rising division within its leadership of Tri-Enterprises

Yet, one of the greatest challenges Argos faced would not be from the outside but the inside. As Voss and others within Odysseus saw Fatoumata's relentless consolidation of power throughout the corporate sphere as a threat to themselves and attempted to challenge her authority over Odysseus. Manifesting as a shadow war between the two distant relatives for over two years. This internal struggle would be the proving grounds for Natalia Tanaka-Devon, daughter of Fatoumata in matters of handling such dirty affairs with often deadly results.

Nonetheless, this clandestine effort to usurper her power ended in the sudden disappearance of Voss along with many behind him. Fatoumata would take this experience to heart and use this as an opportunity to split the power of Argos into two while answering foreign critics of the Argos' worrying size but loaning their Naval Assets to the Halcyon Defence Force. Keeping Argos as an entirely planetary based force, yet ties between the Halcyon and Argos show Halcyon loyalty is quietly shared between the equally comprised Elysian Commonwealth and Odysseus Corporation.

Argos would see further restructuring under Natalia, purging any ranks of the old guard and firmly establishing their fealty to the Odysseus' Central office, and by extension, Fatoumata herself.

## Organization

Argos Company employs a truly massive number of people of varying races across the Galaxy. The overall structure is loose and decentralized, dependent on the many subsidiaries under Odysseus' vast umbrella.

Numerous Divisions exist within Argos Company with its chain of command kept outside of the Odysseus' subsidiaries and is entirely localized to itself barring the occasional exception. Their equipment and training are generally standardized unless specially requested and authorized.

## Notable Divisions

### Scythian Civic Authority

Established soon after the dissolving of the Astynomoi Magistrate Department, the Scythian Civic Authority has taken the mantle of Law Enforcement within Elysian Territories. Slowly superseding the public services once common throughout Elysium. The Scythian Authority has now widespread through all of Elysian Urban Centers and Colonies.

While the Field officers of the Astynomoi were drawn from a select pool of public volunteers, with high standards and extensive training for their positions. The Scythian Authority has abandoned such high requirements as unrest and disorder had continued to grow within the Elysian Commonwealth.

The Scythian Authority also employees far larger numbers than the Astynomoi ever had. They rule with an iron fist over those who they are said to 'protect'. They are often fast and harsh in their judgment, with little patience for repeated offenders.

### Psiloi Foundation Department

Considered by many to be the lowest on the corporate ladder. The Psiloi Department is by far, the Argos Company's largest Division in regards to pure manpower. The Psiloi is considered an Engineering and technician force first and proper combatants second. With their overall mission being that of infrastructure.

Often lacking the proper combat training and weaponry along with equipment that is designed to protect them from environmental and industrial threats rather than kinetic projectiles.

They are usually young entry-level individuals given basic technician and security training. Doing the countless menial tasks that are needed to maintain the vast infrastructure of Odysseus' many installations and complexes.

One of their most vital purposes is that of the maintenance, repair, and building of Pezhetairoi units, the various robots that act as Argos's backbone. For without their mechanical might, the rest of Argos would be severely lessened as an actual military force.

Linemen are usually seen as the grunts of the organization, usually working on installing and maintaining various pieces of equipment that are scattered throughout a facility. The Linemen is often forced into many hazardous occupations and yet one of the most common within the Odysseus Corporation due to its lack of requirements.

Those that can prove themselves within the Psiloi can quickly achieve the position of Specialist. Given more complex and varied tasks. Often leading security patrols and act as team leads for the Linemen.

### Pezhetairoi Automata Legion

The robotic arm of the Argos, their numbers far succeed that of the organic members of Argos. These drones are programmed without any intention of existence outside that of Argos. Built only to serve in what complicity that Argos, and by extension, Odysseus, demands of them.

Their ranks differ radically, with dozens of variations in their sizes and purposes. Equally, their positions within Argos are similarly varied. Many are built to serve as disposable Drones to strike their enemies at the front while others have far more specialized military functions.

They are spread throughout both the Phalanx and the Psiloi Corps, the Phalanx issuing down them to their various Divisions and then further to individual units for whatever tasks needed. The Psiloi Corps simply uses their mechanical units for that of infrastructure.

For a more detailed list of the various designs utilized by Argos: Telemachus Solutions

### Phalanx Tactical Corps

The second most common Division is that of the Phalanx Tactical Corps or simply, the Phalanx. Designed to handle active combat duties, the Phalanx serves as Odysseus' primary defense, intervention, and expeditionary force.

Established after Argos was refolded back under Odysseus's control, It is estimated that they make up about a third of Argos's Total numbers.

Members of this Division are often called the "Enforcers" of Odysseus' power. For they are known for their ruthless and callous nature, especially to those who attempt to fight against Odysseus's interests. Using harsh and brutal methods for putting down worker, urban, and colonist revolts if the Scythian Authority fails, they are seen as the iron fist of the Odysseus Corporation.

#### Thorakitai Division

The Line, or Medium Infantry of the Phalanx Corps, Thorakites are highly flexible and mobile in their deployment and combat missions. Often used to quickly reinforce attacks, take up positions, and strike at the enemy flanks. They also are commonly found doing long-range patrols.

Their equipment is built to be lightweight and all-purpose. While their Armored Hazard Suits. lack the stronger protection of heavier units. Able camouflage itself to a surrounding environment, while not to the same extent as a proper active-camo suit. It does give them enhanced mobility and endurance.

#### Hoplitai Division

The heavy infantry of the Phalanx Corps, Hoplites are usually selected from the larger and hardier individuals. Often given the responsibility of holding front-line positions against enemy attacks and guarding areas of interest.

They are most common of Phalanx Troops to be found on Guard duty at Odysseus's many complexes, mostly due to their usually large size and heavy equipment. Clad in bulky and sometimes, awkward to move in Heavy Hazard Suits.

#### Ekdromoi Division

Air-Assault Infantry, the Ekdromoi are Light infantry that is commonly used for rapid aerial assaults and quick insertions behind enemy lines to strike at targets of opportunity. Equipped and trained to perform fast airborne drops from VTOL Shuttles and Drop-ships with Jumppacks at the ready.

They are extensively well-trained in the use of Jet-packs and close-quarters combat along with generally improved training due to the high risk of their operations. They suffer one of the highest rates of fatality within the Phalanx, news that is often censored from them by their drill officers and recruiters.

#### Peltastai Division

Force Reconnaissance Infantry, Peltastai are often deployed far away from other troop units and are usually given the task of infiltration, interdiction, heavy reconnaissance, and other highly sensitive operations that requires a high degree of precision. Used where more simplistic, mechanical scouts and far-away scans would prove insufficient otherwise.

The Peltastai are trained to a higher standard and are given long-range, exceptional optical equipment that allows them to gain vital information of their targets while kilometers away. They are also supplied with cutting-edge cloaking suits to keep them out of the enemy's sight.

#### Hypaspistai Division

The Shock Infantry of the Phalanx, their ranks are often gathered from those recruits within Hoplitai training centers that show skills and talents far above their peers. Given the opportunity to enroll in the far more rigorous training excise of the Hypaspistai.

With superior training to that of their comrades of the Hoplitai, they are also given responsibilities and mission much more demanding and often deadlier.

Such as leading the charge into the enemy front-line, storming fortifications, and breaking through their lines while fighting alongside Armored units in their issued Power Armor.

#### Chalkaspides Division

The toughest and strongest that the Phalanx can muster are enrolled into its Power Armored Infantry ranks. These individuals are often gathered within the many penal-colonies among the Commonwealth's turbulent periphery. These Killers and Thugs are thus offered a slim chance to "atone" for their crimes against the state.

And if they take the chance to do so, they undergo extreme training exercises and invasive augmentations. With much of their training revolving around extensive physiologic conditioning. This, along with their neurological augmentations. Making them utterly loyal and even more violent.

Thus, they deployed only necessary and collateral damage is not a concern. As their reputation on the battlefield is ruthless and brutally effective, showing little regard for anything besides relentless destruction. Best Kept away from the rest of their allied Phalanx units, for friendly-fire incidents in past have often led to bloody aftermaths.

Due to the nature of their units, they are equipped with Heavy Power Armor that is cybernetically bound to them. Commonly deployed through Drop-pods and Heavy drop-ships as their bulky size makes them too large for regular transports. Bio-injectors remove any pain and fear from their senses, making them a truly barbarous force in battle.

### Kataphraktoi Advanced Weapons Section

Super-Heavy Infantry, they exclusively operate Kataphraktoi-Class series Battlesuits. Often classed as Ultra-Light Mechs. These Battlesuit units are often quickly deployed to areas of crisis in the wider front of military operations.

Kataphraktoi Battlesuits range from about 3-4 meters in height depending on their preference and purpose. Built to a very high standard, they offer extreme amounts of customization, with equipment ranging from jump-jets, shield systems, and other exotic pieces of technology.

The Kataphraktoi are given advanced training and physiological screening to operate such suits along with a series of extensive augmentations to have lighting fast reflexes and to connect to their Armor as it was almost a second skin to the operator through heavy neural interfacing and special AI created that linked into both the suit and the operator, giving the user untold amounts of situational awareness and information.

However, this does has the cost of inflicting massive amounts of pain onto the user if the suit suffers extremely critical damage. In some cases, even killing them. Many suffering severe physiological issues stemming from prolonged use of these suits and systems. Yet this information is a secret held closely by Odysseus

But yet, their effectiveness more than makes up for these issues. The Kataphraktoi effectiveness on the battlefield is near unequaled among Southwest Quadrant Battle-suit units.

### Episkopos Investigation and Intelligence Department

Considered to more of an extension of Odysseus Corporation's internal investigation bureau than a part of Argos proper. The Episkopos Intelligence Department is the only Division to have full authority over all others and is closely tied to Odysseus' central office.

Despite being relatively recently established. Agents and Operatives from this Division are usually highly trained, augmented, and have shown extensive loyalty to Odysseus. Operatives are given the tasks of counter-espionage, investigation, and infiltration for threats both external and internal.

Answering only to the central office, the Intelligence Section is treated with fear and suspicion by those against and within the Odysseus Corporation, even within Argos itself.

### Argyraspides Special Operations Group

Another recent addition to Argos after their buyout is that of the Argyraspides. The best of what the Phalanx has to offer is given the rare opportunity to become part of the Argyraspides Special Operations Group of the Division. These members go through rigorous training exercises and extensive augmentations, both physically and neurologically, before becoming Argyraspides Commandos.

Armed with the finest weapons and equipment that the Odysseus Corporation has to offer, Commandos are usually only deployed for the highly important and extremely dangerous operations. They are also sometimes seen guarding important assets of interest to the central office.

Many executives and high ranking members of Odysseus use them as their private guard. To keep them safe from both external and internal threats. They are treated as an Honor-Guard by many, a title that many within the Argyraspides find demeaning to their status as an elite combat unit.

#### Asthetairoi Special Automata Cohort

These Mechanical units are built to an extremely high standard for use solely by the Argyraspides in support of their operations and tasks. Processing highly advanced intelligence, abilities, and weaponry, far above their cousin models within the Pezhetairoi.

### Phoenix Expeditionary Corps

A once-massive part of Argos's military might, before Phalanx and Episkopos Divisions even existed, There was the Phoenix Corps. Elite Operatives that served that had proved themselves throughout the Galaxy at large with tales of their capabilities are known far and wide.

Its members were highly efficient and secretive, if somewhat suicidal in regards to their losses. They were known and feared throughout the quadrant for their peerless tactics and coordination on the battlefield. Processing a wide degree of augmentations, their ranks were split between various groups, one of the largest being that of the "Panther" group.

However, nearly all within the Phoenix Corps were slain to the last during the Starvis Incident. Considered entirely spent as a fighting force, the Phoenix Corps have thus since been retired. Many outsiders considering their absence a black scar on the greater Argos outfit.

Yet, many within Odysseus' Central Office have sought to thoroughly erase their legacy. To many, the Phoenix Corps now remains a faded memory of the Galaxy before Starvis and the downfall of Elysium Combine throughout the 2380s.

## Gallery

Scythian Police, Various GroupsPsiloi Linemen And SpecialistPhalanx Thorakite Line InfantryPhalanx Hoplite Heavy infantryPhalanx Ekdromoi Air-Assault InfantryPhalanx Peltast Force-Recon InfantryPhalanx Hypaspistai Shock TroopersPhalanx Chalkaspides Power-Armored InfantryEpiskopos Field OperativesArgyraspides CommandoKataphraktoi BattlesuitPhoenix Corps Panthers