"And banging alien chicks sounds like a hell of a perk,"
Paul added with a grin, earning chuckles from the rest of the gang.
"Let's not forget the partying,"
Airid said, raising his cigar in a mock toast.
"Since we got another chance just like our big bad vamp said we might as well enjoy it to the fullest."
Darius leaned back, his eyes thoughtful.
"It's a big galaxy out there. Plenty of opportunities and plenty of dangers. But if we're together, we can handle anything."
I nodded, feeling a surge of something I had lost long ago, It was the desire to dream big just like I used to In my childhood only to get my dreams ruthlessly crushed by adulthood and the technological limitations that came with the 21st century.
"We're battle brothers that grew up together and went through thick and thin and nothing can break us."
As the cigars burned down halfway, leaving us relaxed and more resolved than ever. I laid out the plan.
"First, we need to establish ourselves. Get a ship, gear, and some initial contracts. Once we prove ourselves, the jobs will come rolling in."
"Sounds like a good starting point,"
Robert agreed.
"We should also think about building connections. Networking can get us better deals and more lucrative missions."
"True,"
I said.
"We'll need to find allies and make sure we don't get on the wrong side of any powerful factions."
Paul nodded.
"What about funding? Even with your investments, Drac, starting a mercenary company isn't cheap."
"I've got that covered,"
I assured him.
"I've set up multiple accounts, and the returns over the past 170 years have been astronomical. We're more than covered."
Airid grinned.
"Well, in that case, let's get this show on the road. I'm itching to see what the future has in store for us."
Only to hear me pour water onto their lit fires.
"Woah, woah slow down your horse's guys"
I said causing all of them to focus their eyes full of questions on me, seeing this I Inhaled deeply.
"We missed a s*it load of birthdays so we should first get dead drunk and get our d*cks wet before we do anything else, In other words, s*x, d*ugs, and rock and roll my treat"
I said while puffing out clouds of smoke from my mouth.
The room erupted into laughter and cheers, the tension finally breaking.
"You always did know how to throw a party, Drac,"
Paul said, clapping me on the shoulder.
"I sure do, but first things first,"
I said, putting out my cigar.
"I've had super expensive suits prepared for each of you. They're tailor-made and designed by the best fashion designers in UNOE so go back to your rooms and get dressed. We're going to do this right."
I said as I did the guys stood up after extinguishing their cigars and headed back to their rooms, excited to see what I had in store for them.
Meanwhile, I made my way to the nurses' rest and relaxation room.
As I entered, I saw Lara and a few other nurses chatting and unwinding after their shifts.
"Ladies,"
I said with a smile that could even seduce a succubus herself.
"I have a proposition for you."
They turned to me, curious.
"I'm planning a night out to celebrate our second chance at life, and I would love it if you all could join us,"
I said.
"It's going to be a night of fun, partying, and letting loose."
Hearing this Lara raised an eyebrow.
"You mean, with you and your friends?"
"Exactly,"
I said.
"You've taken such good care of us; it's only fair that you get to enjoy the festivities too. But first, I need your three sizes so I can order some outfits for you all."
The nurses exchanged glances, smiles spreading across their faces.
"That sounds amazing,"
One of them said.
"We're in!"
"Great,"
I said, pulling out my glass see through holographic phone to note down their sizes.
"Let me know your favorite colors too."
As they gave me their sizes and preferences, I placed an order for elegant, custom-fitted dresses from one of the top designers.
The dresses would be delivered within the hour, thanks to the wonders of modern technology.
...
Back in their rooms, the guys found their suits laid out on their beds.
Each suit was an impeccable blend of black, red, and white, tailored to perfection.
They admired the craftsmanship, slipping into the suits and feeling the luxurious fabric against their skin.
Airid stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his red tie against his crisp white shirt.
"Damn, Drac really went all out,"
He muttered, a grin spreading across his face.
Paul, fastening his cufflinks, nodded.
"These are top-notch. We're going to look like a million credits tonight."
Robert smoothed down his black jacket, the red lining peeking out subtly.
"We are a million credits tonight,"
He said with a chuckle.
Darius, adjusting his white suit jacket with red accents, smirked.
"Let's give the future a night it won't forget."
"S*x, d*ugs and rock and roll here we come"
Julian added with a snicker.
Meanwhile, the nurses received their dresses and quickly got ready.
Lara slipped into a stunning red gown that hugged her curves, while the others chose a mix of black and white dresses, each one as elegant and eye-catching as the next.
They couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the thought of the night ahead.
As they finished getting ready, they gathered in the common area, admiring each other's transformations.
"We look amazing,"
Lara said, twirling in her dress.
"This is going to be a night to remember,"
Another nurse added, her eyes sparkling, It didnt take long before the gang and the nurses all converged at the company's reception area, turning heads as they walked in.
The men, dressed in their sharp suits, and the women, in their stunning dresses, made a striking sight.
Airid wore a crisp white shirt beneath a sleek black suit, with a vibrant red tie that added a pop of color.
His short blond hair was styled back, giving him a suave, polished look.
He sported a classic silver watch on his wrist, and his shoes gleamed with a perfect shine.
The suit accentuated his physique, making him look every bit the confident and dashing high value man.
Paul opted for a white shirt and black suit combination as well, but with a red waistcoat that added a touch of sophistication.
His brown curly hair was perfectly trimmed with his sides and back shaved to the minimum, and he wore a pair of black leather gloves that gave him a mysterious, almost rogueish appearance.
He also had a slim silver chain around his neck, with a small pendant that peeked out from beneath his shirt.
Robert's suit was a deep, rich black with red lining that subtly showed as he moved and his brown hair was neatly trimmed.
His black shoes were polished to perfection, and he carried a sleek black cane with a silver handle, adding an air of old-world charm to his modern look.
Darius chose a bold white suit with red accents, contrasting beautifully with his healthy bronze skin and short-cropped hair and we'll kept and trimmed beard.
He wore a red pocket square and a matching tie, completing his ensemble with a pair of black dress shoes.
His confident stance and the easy grace with which he moved spoke volumes about his strength and poise.
Julian looked like a true businessman with a billion credits to his name with his trademark slicked to the side hair.
Lara wore a stunning red gown that hugged her curves perfectly.