Dominic sat in the transport shuttle, the hum of the engines vibrating through the hull as they made their way to the frontlines. Around him, 300 other mercenary pilots sat in silence, each one deep in their own thoughts, preparing for the war ahead. The UOP had gathered an impressive force, but they all knew the task before them wasn't going to be easy. The CMC had overwhelming power, and their mech forces were unmatched in firepower and technology.
But for the first time in a long while, Dominic felt a sense of purpose. This wasn't just another job. The data he had stolen, the knowledge he carried—it could change the entire course of the war. The UOP was counting on him, and now he had to prove that they had made the right choice by bringing him into their fold.
The transport shuttle, a heavily armored vessel built for speed and firepower, cruised through the dark void of space. Its lights flickered occasionally, casting long shadows on the pilots. Some of them were veterans, battle-hardened mercenaries with faces as cold as the machines they piloted. Others were fresh recruits, eager to prove themselves. Dominic didn't fit into either category. He was something else—someone who had learned to survive in the shadow of war, scavenging technology and rebuilding it in the wastelands. But now, he was part of something much larger.
Ahead, the massive UOP battleship Valiant loomed, its sleek form cutting through the darkness like a predator on the prowl. It was an imposing sight—a symbol of the Union's determination to reclaim control from the CMC.
As the transport shuttle docked with the Valiant, Dominic stood and adjusted his gear. His heart raced, not from fear but from anticipation. He was about to step into a new phase of his life, one that would either end in glory or death.
The door to the shuttle opened, and a few other mercenaries filed out. Dominic followed, his steps steady, his gaze focused. He had a job to do.
They were led through the cold metallic corridors of the ship, passing several crew members and officers who gave them curt nods as they passed. The halls were filled with the faint hum of machinery and the sound of distant orders being shouted. This wasn't a ship designed for luxury; it was a warship, built to carry the UOP's finest into battle.
At the mech bay, the sound of welding, hammering, and machinery in motion filled the air. The bay was vast, stretching as far as the eye could see, lined with rows of partially assembled mechs. The mercenaries were guided toward a section of the bay where several mechanics stood, each one working on a different machine. Some were painting, others were fitting armor plates, and a few were inspecting power cores.
A gruff voice broke through the noise.
"Dominic!" The mechanic who called his name had a thick beard, his face weathered from years of working in the heat and grime of battle-scarred stations. His hands were covered in grease and dirt, but his eyes were sharp and calculating. "You're the one who's been making waves, huh?"
Dominic nodded, studying the mechanic carefully. He was well aware that the people who built the mechs were just as important as the pilots who flew them. The tech had to be flawless, the fit had to be perfect. There was no room for failure in this war.
"I'm the one who's been causing problems for the CMC," Dominic replied with a cool tone. "I guess that's why I'm here."
The mechanic gave a rough chuckle. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But you've got to know, this war is different. The CMC has the best tech, and we're not exactly working with shiny new toys here. What you'll be piloting won't be like anything you've had before. Custom-built for the frontlines, sure, but you'll have to adapt."
Dominic didn't flinch. He'd adapted before. He would adapt again. "I'm ready."
"Good," the mechanic said, grinning. "Because this isn't going to be a cakewalk. I've been told you're one of the best when it comes to handling mechs, but there's more to it than just your skills. You've got to think ahead, outsmart the enemy. And sometimes, you'll have to make choices that aren't just about survival."
Dominic raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
The mechanic wiped his hands on a rag and led him over to a table where a blueprint of a mech was displayed. "I've got a few questions for you before we start working on your custom model. They're not the usual questions, but they're important."
Dominic studied the blueprint, his mind already running through the calculations. He was ready for whatever this mechanic had in mind.
The mechanic looked at him seriously. "First question: Are you willing to sacrifice everything, including your own life, if it means securing victory for the UOP? This isn't just about winning battles. This is about a war that could change everything."
Dominic's jaw tightened. He had made sacrifices before, and he knew that the path ahead would demand even more. But he had a purpose now, and that was enough to keep him going.
"I'm willing," Dominic said, his voice firm.
The mechanic nodded and continued, "Second question: You've worked alone for a long time, Dominic. How do you feel about being part of a team again? You'll be fighting with other pilots, with people relying on you. How do you think you'll handle that?"
Dominic took a breath. The idea of working in tandem with others wasn't something he was used to, but he could already see the strategic value in working as part of a larger unit. He wasn't a loner by choice; it was the only way he knew how to survive. But this was different.
"I'll do what needs to be done," Dominic replied, his voice steady.
The mechanic gave him a scrutinizing look, then nodded. "Alright. Last question: If the UOP offered you everything—resources, tech, allies—but at the cost of your own freedom, would you take it? Would you put the needs of the many above your own?"
Dominic stared at the mechanic for a long moment. It was a question that went beyond the battlefield. It was about loyalty, about his place in the galaxy. He had always been a scavenger, a free spirit. The idea of giving up that freedom in exchange for victory was a hard pill to swallow.
But when he thought about the war, the lives at stake, and the bigger picture, his answer was clear.
"Yes," Dominic said, the weight of his words settling in the air. "I would."
The mechanic clapped him on the back. "Alright then, Dominic. Let's get to work. You're going to need every bit of that resolve when you step into the cockpit of your new mech."
As Dominic walked away to begin his preparation for the upcoming battle, he knew the war had only just begun. And now, with his custom-built mech on the way, he would be ready for whatever came next.