I paused not sure how to call It because It gave me an Impression It was self-aware but I doubted any sane race would allow a self-aware AI to exist.
''... AI finish speaking''
I finally finished after deciding to call It what It Is.
''... thank you seargent major Dracula Von Death as I was saying youre application for the creation of Terranum Imperium PMC has been approved but to get youre license you have to finish registering at the Galactic Councils UNOE Space Mercenaries branch''
The AI finished her words by Identifying me with my rank which caused me to raise my white eyebrow because I didn't give this information then registering but In the end, I let It slide because, for an AI of this level, It was easy as stealing candies from kids to dig out my Info.
''Got It Lead the way''
We followed Zeta through the bustling corridors. Xenos both biological and mechanical of all shapes and sizes moved about, some carrying crates of goods, others engaged in animated discussions.
The diversity was astounding, and the advanced technology surrounding us was awe-inspiring.
The AI pointed out various facilities as we walked, from state-of-the-art medical bays to recreational areas and high-tech workshops.
Finally, we reached the Space Mercenary Guild the atmosphere filled with techno music blaring from the Installed loudspeakers inside was a stark contrast to the pristine corridors of the citadel.
The guild was a hive of activity, filled with the sounds of clinking glasses, raucous laughter, and the occasional argument.
Newbie and veteran space mercs of diffrent races but mostly human sprouting cybernetic, bionic and mechanical augmentations were scattered throughout the hall, engaged in various activities.
Some were drinking heavily, their laughter echoing off the walls. Others were wrestling or fighting in a makeshift ring, while a few sat at tables gambling with holographic cards and chips.
Holographic advertisements filled the air, depicting all kinds of weapons from a basic gunpowder based assault rifle to a plasma smart rifle, all kinds of classes of spaceships, combat, engineering, and service robots, synthetic pleasure companions that looked no different from the real thing, clone soldiers, and even s*aves.
The imagery was both fascinating and disturbing, a testament to the mercenary lifestyle.
"So s*aves huh?"
Darius muttered, his eyes full of judgment.
"And they call us barbarians"
"Truthfully I'm not surprised by It"
Robert added.
"Then we are capable of ens*aving members of our own race Its no surprise that another race despite how far advanced It Is will do this to another one I mean for g*ds sake we committed a genocide of dozen of ethnic groups In the past"
I listened to my battle brother's comments and I couldn't help but agree in my mind, In my opinion, the human race is the biggest of an absolute cluster f*ck proportions mistake that the universe ever made.
We kill for the simplest reasons, r*pe each other and plunder without a shred of remorse for f*cks sake just look at our history Its filled with endless wars, bloodshed, and death.
Then J*rus*lium fell Its streets got flooded with blood and those so called men of g*d slaughtered everyone they saw not even babies were spared just because they believed In a different g*d.
Even though one of their g*ds commandants was not to kill and don't even get me started on the dark ages, thousands of so called witches were tortured by the Inquisition to the point that they had no choice but to confess.
The result of it? Being burned at the stake or getting drowned, no man or woman can withstand torture, everyone cracks eventually.
A simple waterboarding Is enough to crack the toughest men, I've experienced It personally.
Then the water fills ups youre nostrils and throat preventing you from breathing In and at the same time making you feel like youre drowning It's just a matter of time before you break, and that still considered humane compared to bone braking, nail and teeth pulling, burning, electricity, skin peeling torture and all kinds of other things a human's depraved mind can conceive.
As I thought up to this point my pores started secreting cold sweat while my right hand started trembling as my heartrate accelerated and my breathing became deep and rough.
Truthfully the things I have done, seen, and experienced well let's just say If there Is a hell then Im definitely meeting s*tan himself.
''Hey Drac are you okay?''
Airid asked noticing my abnormality.
''I'm fine It's just my g*ddamn PTSD acting up again like always''
I whispered back as I took out a plastic bottle from my pants thigh pocket and popped a bunch of pills Into my mouth and swallowed them down with the help of my saliva as I did we made our way to the registration desk, where Instead of a grizzled mercenary like I expected.
A 1.80 meters tall human woman with a hourglass-shaped body, covered In all tight fitting and black thighs, a mini skirt, and a long-sleeved school uniform top with a witch hat adorning her silver bluish lush and loose hair as she smoked her vape In the form of ancient looking smoking pipe.
"New blood?"
The anime woman with synthetic lines all over her body asked, eyeing us up and down with those synthetic Ice glowing blue eyes of hers as she exhaled the smoke from her plump blue lips.
"Yes SP branch manager, they're PMC application In the name of Terranum Imperium has already been approved by the galactic council all is left is to get youre seal of approval''
The AI answered for us.
''Got It, thanks Zeta I'll take It from here''
The manager said as she did the AI dematerialized into holographic particles.
"So which one of you Is the boss?"
The woman asked as she leaned forward causing her F cup sized synthetic b*easts to almost slip out.
Holy f*ck Is this anime or reality?!
We preetty much had the same thought because the woman looked too perfect to the point that It wasn't scientifically possible.
"Me"
I answered with my and the gangs eyes fixed on the woman's super large caliber rounds which didn't go unnoticed by her.
"Hey eyes up here pervs, you haven't seen a synth body or what?"
The woman barked as she leaned back and took a drag from her smoking pipe.
Hearing this I and the gang snapped out from our daze.
"First time seeing one"
I answered shaking my head, hearing this the woman tilted her head to the side while raising one of her black eyebrows.
"Second chance mega corporation we woke up a week ago"
Airid added.
"Oh Interesting..."
The woman pursed her lips as a glint of Interest appeared In her synthetic eyes.
"...anyways here's you're license"
The woman said as with a swipe of her hand our holographic license appeared and after giving It a holographic stamp sent It to my holographic phone.
"The rules are simple whatever happens In space stays In space, I don't give a f*ck If you murder, r*pe or plunder each other or anyone else"
The manager said In a bored tone as she rested her chin on her hand while exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"Well that Is as long as you don't get caught..."
"And If we get caught?"
I asked as I did the woman's lips curled Into a psychopothic grin.
"... I'll put a bounty on you and collect your heads myself, any questions?"
She asked.
"Any advice for newbies?"
"Advice huh?"
The woman pursed her plump lips.
"I suggest you buy ewrything In person, sure you can buy It online but I don't recommend It"
She advised while pointing with her chin at a new and Inexperienced space merc who just bought a brand new lazer rifle.