Augustus nodded, his face a mask of grim determination.
"We must make sure that It looks like an accident"
...
A week later
The gang gathered in a spacious, high-tech conference room at the SCMC building.
The room was equipped with advanced holographic projectors, sleek black tables, and ergonomic chairs that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie.
As I entered, my battle brothers were already there, chatting animatedly and sipping on their coffees.
"Alright, boys, let's get down to business,"
I said, clapping my hands together to get their attention.
They all turned to face me, their expressions a mix of excitement and curiosity.
Over the past week, we had all been grinding in fully immersive virtual reality, mastering the skills needed to operate Corvette-class spaceships, dropships, and a variety of advanced weaponry and armor.
It had been a tough week, but we were now officially licensed and ready to take on the galaxy at least we thought we were.
"First things first,"
I said, pulling out my glass see-through holo phone. With a few taps, I brought up our digital licenses.
"Let's double-check these bad boys."
I projected the licenses Into the air each license was displayed in vivid detail, showcasing our qualifications:
Corvette-Class Spaceship License.
Dropship Pilot License.
Advanced Weapons and armor License and other licenses.
Airid, Paul, Robert, Julian, and Darius all leaned in to inspect their own licenses.
The holographic display showed their names, photos, and the various certifications we had earned over the past week.
"Looks like we're all set,"
Airid said with a grin.
"We're officially space-ready."
Paul nodded, a satisfied look on his face.
"No more simulations. It's time for the real deal."
"Yep we're officially just one step away from becoming full fledged space mercs"
I said.
"The only thing left Is to register our outfit"
I walked over to the central control panel and activated the holographic projector.
The room dimmed slightly as a 3D holographic image flickered to life in the center of the table.
The logo of our new private military company, Terranum Imperium, floated before us in vivid detail.
"Gents"
I said, gesturing to the hologram.
"I present to you Terranum Imperium."
The emblem was a striking image: a black iron Fenrir coiling itself as it tried to bite its tail, set against a crimson banner.
The emblem was surrounded by golden laurel leaves, below the emblem, our outfits motto was inscribed in bold white letters
"In Death I Live."
"Wow,"
Darius said, his eyes wide with admiration.
"That's some serious badassery right there."
"Fits us perfectly,"
Robert added, nodding in approval.
Airid leaned in closer, inspecting the details.
"I like the symbolism, Iron Fenrir represents an unstoppable force that would break first before bending, the laurel leaves speak of endless victory, and the crimson banner signifies our readiness to spill our blood."
"And the motto,"
Paul said, glancing at the inscription.
"It's the same as your tattoo, right, Drac?"
Hearing this I rolled up my sleeve, revealing the tattoo on the inner part of my right forearm.
The words "In Death, I Live"
Were inked above the image of a hooded Death Angel with black feather wings clad in black spiked armor holding a pointed downwards great sword in a cemetery background with the occasional raven sitting on a tombstone.
"That's right,"
I confirmed while grinning.
"This motto of mine was the only thing that kept me going, If not for It I would have kicked the bucket a long time ago so let It be a reminder that no matter what we face, we endure. We survive. We thrive."
The room was silent for a moment, as each of my battle brothers silently contemplated my words.
The emblem and motto weren't just symbols; they were a declaration of who we were and what we stood for.
"Alright,"
I said, breaking the silence.
"Let's talk about our next steps. First, we need to pack up and check out from the SCMC.
Then, we'll board a taxi and head straight for the nearest space lift that will take us to a starport."
"Once there, we'll take a shuttle and head straight for the Galactic Council's Space Mercenary Branch located inside the Galactic Council's embassy, a Citadel-class space station in the middle of the solar system."
As I said this the projections changed from a space lift connected to the spaceport orbiting E*rth to the gigantic armed to the teeth citadel placed as close to the sun as Its advanced technology allowed It.
Airid nodded, already in planning mode.
"So I take It that once we get there the first thing we do Is buy ourselves a Corvette class spaceship with a dropship and weapons and armor for ourselves right?"
Airid asked.
"Yep though our outfit still has to be approved by the GC first"
I answered as with a few taps of my fingers on my phone I sent the application on the spot.
"Just sent the application so by the time we get there we should be a group of properly licensed mercs so if there are no questions head back to you're rooms and pack up"
I finished my words waiting for any questions.
"Say since we're gonna be space mercs shouldn't we have some matching military uniforms?"
Julian could not help but ask as he did the rest of the gang nodded In approval.
"Already covered that, you'll find a set of matching space uniforms In you're rooms, what? Did you think I wouldn't make any for us?"
I asked sarcastically.
"Hahaha yeah knowing that you're a fanatical militarist that's a dumb question"
Airid laughed out loud as he slammed his palm Into the table.
...
Lilith stood in her personal flagship a cruiser class spaceship turned Into space yacht wich had the perfect balance between firepower, protection, mobility, and opulent quarters, the room exuding an aura of both elegance and menace that perfectly matched her personality.
She was having an Intergalactic call with her nephew, the Emperor of the Demon Star Realms.
"Imperial Aunt you need to ensure that the negotiations with the Imperial Vampirian States and the Demihuman Republic go smoothly,"
Her nephew said, his tone respectful and almost deferential.
"We cannot afford any missteps, Aunt Lilith, our position in the galaxy is at stake."
Hearing this Lilith couldn't help but growl In displeasure.
"Fine got It..."
Lilith replied, a hint of irritation in her voice.
"I will handle it."
The hologram In her view flickered off, leaving Lilith alone in the dimly lit room.
She let out a frustrated sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose.
It was one thing to deal with the endless stream of political games and power struggles within her own realm, but entertaining ambassadors and diplomats from an empire full of bloodsuckers and an empire of furry warlords.
Well, let's just say It was a headache.
"Damn it,"
She muttered under her breath, pacing back and forth through her quarters.
"Just then I was starting to have some fun!"
Lilith's quarters were adorned with dark, luxurious fabrics and intricate tapestries depicting the history of the Demon Star Realms.
A large, black marble desk sat in one corner, cluttered with reports and diplomatic communiqués.
On the wall behind her desk hung a ceremonial sword, its blade glinting ominously in the low light.
Her cybernetic lenses glowed briefly as she accessed the latest updates on her various responsibilities.
The screens floating in front of her displayed information on the ambassadors she would need to entertain, their preferences, and their political leanings.
"Just another day in paradise,"
She said sarcastically, taking a seat at her desk.
She poured herself a glass of crimson wine a few centuries old from a decanter and took a long sip, savoring the rich flavor.