"Cody, you've done good work here."
The boy preened at my words and he should. He had negotiated with the community and got them to agree to a decent contract. I was expecting worse considering the fact that they would be hiring children from an unknown mercenary company but it wasn't bad.
I guess it did make sense though. A good chunk of the Martian workforce was made up of children. I probably wouldn't be wrong in saying that most communities on Mars have employed children for something or other at some point so it wouldn't be too strange to hire child mercenaries.
The amount we would be receiving was less than the average but just barely and not only that, he had done the same for two other communities. It just needed my own and Orga's signature. Just in time too since we got a report that the funds on mars weren't looking good.
Not bad enough to sell our shit yet cause of my actions but we were close. With this, we wouldn't need to sell our shit just yet. It hasn't fixed our problem yet but it's kicked the can down the road some.
" Hold on tight. I just need to get this approved and you can start."
The boy nodded before I ended the call. Good kid. Bringing him with me from Pete's gang was one of the best moves I've ever made.
Walking into the command center, I wasn't surprised to see Orga and Biscuit there and from what I heard, they were discussing our financial situation. Dropping my pad on the table, I slid it to the two and watched as they read through it.
" When Tekkaden calls, I provide as usual. Everything is ready. Just needs our signatures and I left some of our good men for this so there shouldn't be any problems on that front."
They looked up at each other, surprise on their faces.
"The pay's lower than what we'd normally take, but…" Biscuit hummed, tapping the side of the pad. "It's reliable, and we won't be stretching ourselves too thin."
There were many questions written on Orga's face, the leading one likely being how and when did you get the time to do this but he thankfully held his tongue. Maybe the monetary situation kept his tongue at bay.
"Fine. We'll take it." Orga ran his finger over the contracts and it was done. Taking the pad, I signed it myself and sent it to Cody. " If any more of these contracts come in, send them to me and Biscuit. I wanna know what exactly is happening under my nose."
Nodding, I began walking out, sending a message to Pete to start cutting down on the attacks along with Cody's number so they could coordinate. Wouldn't want any accidents now would we? I just hope this will last till we finish this mission.
******
" What are we betting this time?"
Standing in our makeshift shooting range, I loaded my most expensive babies I owned, my astra 966. Stole these from a nobleman's storage unit we had robbed. Apparently, these were prototypes from what I had been able to find out.
" I'm putting two days worth of food on Darius." Andre announced as he, Robby and Richy stood in the spectator ring.
" Me too. " Richy followed.
" I'll be different and put the same on David." the final spectator announced, crossing his arms. " Hear that David. My food is on you. You better not lose this time."
David ignored him, simply eying the target. " I go first."
He walked to the yellow taped line and let two shots off, one hitting the eye area and the other hitting the nose.
I followed up with two forehead shoots.
It always started out like this. Three more shoots perfectly hit the skull from each of us. Then came the targeted hits. One of the spectators went to draw on body parts that we needed to shoot. First was Andre.
" Ear shot."
Walking up to the line, I carefully aimed for the left ear, held my breath and closed my right eye. In the next second, the drawn on ear had a hole in it.
David then came, took his place and carefully lined up his shot. The right ear went missing signalling a tie so far.
Robby was next and the big mischievous smile on his face told me he would draw something stupid.
" What are the chances he draws balls?"
David nodded, a smirk on his face. " 100%"
As predicted, he drew two large orbs hanging from the bottom of the original figure. Sighing, I went to the line and shit off the left nut, David following to shoot off the right.
Last was Richy, who drew on fingers.
" Let's say, we go down the hand, finger by finger."
David nodded and went to the line, shooting off the thumb and pointy finger on the right hand. I went next, and I took out the same on the left.
" David, my food is on the line. Don't fuck this up." Robby shouted from the side.
" I never told you to bet on me. " David shouted back as he aimed and took out the middle finger and whatever the one between the pinky and middle finger was called.
As expected, I took out the same fingers. Before David went to take out the last finger, I stopped him. " We both know we can get the pinky, so let's go for the no look."
That earned a smirk from the wannabe gunslinger. " Oh, can I bet on this one?"
Fucking conservative. Only betting when the odds are in your favour. " Sure, whatcha betting?"
He eyed my pistols.
He's been craving for these beauties the moment I got them but I only ever bet them when I was sure I could win and with David not being much of a better, especially when the odds weren't confidently in his favour, he never got a chance to win them.
God knows what would happen to him if he stole them.
The last guy who tried ended up as the rope for a tug of war between two trucks.
" I'll bet them…if you bet…"
I thought on it for a moment before a smirk came over my face." Half of all the credits you've saved up."
Unlike most, David carefully saved every cent he found, stole or earned, only spending on things that aided his survival like the better than standard Qs644 rifle or the bulletproof vest he wore every day.
" 20%"
" 40%"
" 30%"
" 35 and we got a deal."
He eyed the hand I extended his way for a moment then nodded.
" Deal."
There was a fire in his eyes, one I could still see despite the blindfold Andre put on him. As he stood on the line, he took a deep breath in, out, then…BANG!
The bang reverberated in the quiet room as all our heads shot to the target…only to see that David was off by, if I had to guess, a millimetre.
Taking off his blindfold, David's expression darkened." Fuck!"
David wasn't one for shouting and swearing. Well, not as much as us and he certainly never got as mad but the frustration on his face almost made me feel bad for taking his cash.
Subtly nodding at Andre, he put the blindfold on me just a little bit higher than it needed to be. Enough for there to be a little gap at the bottom.
When he walked me to the line, I took a deep breath in, big enough that I could tilt my head back enough without it looking suspicious all while getting to see my shot. Holding my breath, I took the shot and as expected, it hit.
I made sure to just hit the tip so it looked like luck.
" No fuckin way! You fuckin cheated!" Robby shouted out as he ran for the target to double check while I took the blindfold off.
" I did? Explain how."
He ran to me, took the blindfold and inspected it, finding nothing wrong and clicking his tongue.
" Now Andre, I'm feeling a bit famished. Wanna go get something?"
" Indeed, let us go feast. Oh, and David, gather my credits will you."
*******
Around ten days or so passed since we began our trip and it's been a blast. I didn't have much to do besides approve two more contracts so I and the boys had spent our time on Naze's ship getting to know the residents well.
I especially got familiar with the girl who looked like Harley and Lucy from edge runners had a kid who, guess what, was named Harley. Ain't that a thing? She wasn't afraid to get risky too.
We'd done it nearly everywhere we could. Cafeteria, command room, docking bay and storage bay were only a few places to mention. She had also introduced me to other pent up girls in the ship.
She was amazing. I hoped to bring her with me when we eventually split.
When we were around a day or so from Saisei from Naze's estimates, I decided to visit him. Unlike the show, I wanted to be seen as a serious brother of Taiwaz instead of a bunch of plucky kids. I had some money, so why not work on my appearance a bit. I wasnt ugly or unwashed like some others on the ship, but I could do better and that started with attire.
Strolling into Naze's office around the time he agreed, the man was lazily swirling what looked to be whiskey as relaxed as ever. I gave the man a respectful nod before taking a seat and getting straight to the point. "So, old man, I need a favor. Know where I can buy a snazzy suit like yours? I don't wanna look like an outer space bumpkin when I meet the big man."
Naze let out a small chuckle, setting his glass down on the table. "So you've got enough sense to know first impressions matter? That's good." He tilted his head, looking me over. "Though, I gotta say, the way you carry yourself, you don't exactly come off as a 'bumpkin."
Strolling into Naze's office around the time he agreed, the man was lazily swirling what looked to be whiskey as relaxed as ever. I gave the man a respectful nod before taking a seat and getting straight to the point. "So, old man, I need a favor. Know where I can buy a snazzy suit like yours? I don't wanna look like an outer space bumpkin when I meet the big man."
Naze let out a small chuckle, setting his glass down on the table. "So you've got enough sense to know first impressions matter? That's good." He tilted his head, looking me over. "Though, I gotta say, the way you carry yourself, you don't exactly come off as a 'bumpkin."
" I get that alot."
He leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on his lap. "That said, if you're serious about looking the part, I can hook you up. Got a tailor here on the ship who does all my suits. Custom fit, best materials. You'll be looking sharp enough to turn heads when you step onto Saisei."
Damn, a personal suit tailor. I need to get this amount of money.
He smirked. "Though, I gotta ask, how much of this is about impressing McMurdo, and how much is about impressing my girls?"
Oh fuck, oh shit, oh bloddy hell. I'm fucked!
Emergency procedure activated.
I stood up and bowed in an instant. " I didn't mean any disrespect. I let my stupid hormones and stupider friends get the better of me. Please do not allow it to reflect badly on Tekkaden."
When I heard Naze laugh, I felt a part of me relaxed but I didn't let my guard down yet. I also took a quick look at my two wonder pistols, ready to shoot myself out if need be.
"Relax, kid. If I got upset every time someone got frisky with my girls, I'd never get anything done." He waved a hand dismissively.
What a relief. Wait, so was this like, the largest polygamous relationship ever?
Weird?
"Tell you what," Naze said, leaning back in his chair. "I'll set you up with my tailor. You'll get a suit worthy of someone looking to impress the big man. But," his smirk widened, "I'd like it if you kept your escapades in the bedrooms. You and Harley aren't as sneaky as you guys think."
" Of course. Thank you."
I decided to leave immediately. I didn't want him to take back his words or something. Exiting, I let out a breath of relief.
Worth it.
*******
"Oh yeah, now thats a guy I'd wanna fuck."
Turning as I looked into the mirror, I was surprised at how well the tailor did, especially in the limited time we had. A nice tight comfy fitting black suit with white strips. Best of all, Naze didn't mention a price tag and I wasn't gonna mention it. In fact, I was gonna abuse this generosity. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. "Hey Sussie Could I get like ten, no twenty more of these?"
The woman who did this masterpiece giggled, walking over and adjusting my collar. " I'll see what I can do."
This needed a few accessories and I luckily had just the stuff. Walking over to my old clothing, I took out a chain, watch and ring. Oh shiiiiiiiiiiit, this loook good. I kinda looked like a mafia boss.
" You look amazing boss." Ricky announced from the side.
" Thanks Rich. " Turning to the feminine boy, I gave him a once over. " Why not get one yourself?"
He shook his head. " I can't afford one, plus suits don't fit me."
I shook my head going over to clasp his shoulder. " Nonsense. It's always good to have one. Plus, as my assistant, I can't have you looking bad. It would also reflect badly on me."
His eyes widened in worry. " I wouldn't wanna reflect badly on you. "
" Exactly. " I turned to Susie, could you get my friend five suits too. "
She sent Richy a smile. " I'd love to. Not often I get to work with a cutie like him."
Richy burned crimson at the comment and as funny as it was watching Richy fumble, I had to get going. " Go get your measurements done. We can meet later."
That was when Sussie put a white fedora on my head. I felt the golden badges, moderator superiority complex and need for an e-kitten come over me with this hat but I managed to hold such urges back with the power of the drip." Now you look ready. Just in time to, cause we arrived. "
I gave Sussie a quick hug, my hand accidentally squeezing her squishy ass. " You're an angel. I would like to properly thank you but I wouldn't want to ruin my suit." I glanced Richy's way. " Plus, we do have company."
She giggled, slapping my chest. " Oh stop. Now get out of here. I don't think Naze will like waiting too long."
I didn't have to be told twice, walking out with a wave to both of them, I made my way to the docking bay. Halfway there, I ran into Harley. Seeing me, she let out a whistle, her smile turning sultry.
" Nuh uh. I'm off limits in this."
It seemed my words only went in one ear and out the other as she approached me with a hungry look in her eye. " All the best things are off limits. Plus, I think it would be fun ruining that suit."
" Begone thot. I do not wish for intercourse when there are bigger things to be had. Money."
Backing away, I thought of running away but I got saved. Cassady, the Natasha looking girl suddenly caught Harley in a bear hug. " I'll hold her off, get out of here."
"Cassady, you bitch, let go of me!"
Speed walking past to not crease the suit, I gave her a grateful look. Arriving at the bay, I was met by Naze and his sexy second in command, Amida.
Naze gave me an appraising look. "Well, well. Look at you. Not bad, Kingston. Almost makes you look respectable." His smirk lingered as he eyed the accessories. "Didn't take you for the flashy type, though."
" Oh, these old things. They were just some things to spruce myself up a bit."
Amida let out a low whistle, tilting her head as she inspected me "Gotta admit, the kid cleans up nice," she said, nudging Naze playfully. "Maybe he's got some style after all."
I had to stop the smug look on my face from growing any bigger. It became easier when we landed in Saisei and it dropped entirely when we were in front of the gates of the big man, the one who would decide the trajectory of Tekkaden.
Entering, I was given the whole spiel on watch my words and stuff but it was unnecessary. I knew how important this was. Entering the estate, we walked right past items that looked like it could cost the price of the entirety of Tekkaden.
I felt my sticky fingers twitch but there was no way I would be able to take anything out of here without consequences.
I had to focus on the prize ahead.