Dominic stepped into the Mercenary Office, the familiar hum of activity in the air as people bustled about, negotiating deals, completing jobs, and preparing for the next conflict. He was back in the heart of the war machine—just where he never thought he'd be again. After the high-stakes escape and the danger of being hunted by the CMC, it felt strange to walk into such a chaotic, yet somehow calm, environment. He had succeeded in completing his mission—now all that was left was to collect his payment. But as always, it wasn't just about the credits. It never was.
His eyes scanned the office. The walls were lined with holo-screens showing the latest contracts, and the air was thick with the aroma of coffee and the sounds of mercenaries exchanging briefings. He didn't look for friends or allies anymore—he didn't trust easily. But the Mercenary Office had become his home base over the years, a place where anyone with the right skills could get work.
The receptionist, a sharp-eyed woman in tactical gear, looked up from her screen as he approached. She seemed to recognize him right away, not just from his reputation, but from the clear air of someone who had walked through hell and lived to tell the tale.
"Dominic," she said, her tone neutral but respectful. "I see you're back in one piece. Got your results?"
Dominic slid a data chip across the counter. "Mission complete. Data's uploaded. Payment as agreed."
The receptionist took the chip, her fingers flying over the screen as she verified the mission completion. She nodded after a moment, sending the confirmation to the system.
"Everything checks out. The client will be pleased." She looked up at him with a thoughtful gaze. "And you? Got a next move in mind?"
Dominic paused for a second, the usual reply—'No, just taking things as they come'—sitting on the tip of his tongue. But he couldn't shake the feeling that he had just started something far bigger than he had anticipated. The galaxy was on the edge of chaos, and he was no longer content with just salvaging mechs and running from one job to the next. This mission, the data he had stolen from the CMC, it had opened his eyes to what was really at stake. He couldn't just remain a passive observer anymore.
"I think I'm ready for something bigger," Dominic said, his voice calm but resolute.
The receptionist's eyes narrowed slightly, as if weighing his words. "Big jobs require big commitments. I assume you've heard about the Union and CMC conflict heating up again? There's a lot of work going on for both sides."
Dominic's expression darkened slightly. He had heard whispers about the war between the United Human Union (UHU) and the Collective of the Unified Mechanized Corporations (CMC), but it had always seemed distant—just another war, another conflict where he wasn't involved. Now, it seemed unavoidable.
"I'm aware," Dominic replied, his tone measured. "But I'm not interested in picking sides unless there's something worth fighting for."
The receptionist nodded, clearly understanding the sentiment. "Well, you might be interested in this then." She swiped a screen to the side, bringing up a classified contract. "The Union of People—the UOP—is making a move. They've been struggling against the CMC for years, but now they've gained traction. They're looking for experienced mercenaries to bolster their forces."
Dominic leaned in slightly, intrigued despite himself. "And what's in it for me?"
"The UOP has something the CMC doesn't," the receptionist said, locking eyes with him. "The people. The technology. And they want you specifically. A rogue engineer with a history of taking down CMC tech, and a certain... talent for getting things done. They want you on their side, Dominic."
He stood there for a moment, his mind working through the implications. The UOP had been the underdog for years, fighting an uphill battle against the CMC's overwhelming power. But recently, they'd been gaining ground. The tide was turning. They needed someone who knew how to fight, and more importantly, someone who understood the CMC's technology.
Dominic had always worked alone, but this was different. The data he carried was more valuable than a simple mercenary contract—it was the key to understanding the CMC's entire operation. If he joined the UOP, he could help tip the scales. Maybe even expose the full extent of the CMC's twisted experiments. But it would come at a cost.
He couldn't do it all alone.
"If I join," Dominic said slowly, "what exactly are they offering me in return?"
"The UOP will provide you with resources, intel, and full access to their tech," she said. "Plus, you'll have a standing position as one of their elite operatives. A chance to lead a special team. And we both know how valuable your skills are—especially when it comes to reverse-engineering and taking down CMC mechs."
Dominic's fingers tightened around the strap of his gear bag. He had always been a scavenger, a lone wolf in a world filled with bureaucratic factions and corporate greed. But this was different. He could feel the pull of something greater.
"I'll think about it," he said, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty, though he knew deep down that this was his path forward. If he could turn the tide of the war, if he could make a real difference, then this was the opportunity he had been waiting for.
The receptionist nodded and slid a new contract across the counter, this time with the UOP's official seal. "They'll want an answer soon. You know where to find us."
Dominic pocketed the contract, his mind already racing with the possibilities.
As he walked out of the Mercenary Office, the cold wind of the station's outside docks hit him. He was no longer just a scavenger; he was a soldier in a war that was bigger than anything he'd ever imagined.
Now, it was time to make his choice.
Would he join the UOP and take on the CMC with everything he had, or would he continue to walk his own path?
The answer was clear. This war wasn't just about survival anymore. It was about changing the future.