"Got the message,"
I said, sliding into the seat across from her.
"So, what's this high-profit, low-risk job you've got?"
She tapped her holographic display, and a detailed map of the Med Karash system lit up between us, showing a molten, barren planet.
"Here's the deal. A supply ship from Urian Prime a neighboring interstellar civilization comprised of hive minded humanoid slugs that are halfway to reaching Level Two, has crashed on Med Karash I,"
She explained not hiding the disgust she was feeling toward the slug people after all a human sized humanoid slug wasn't very aesthetically pleasing to the human eye, zooming in on the system.
"This planet is a hellhole a molten surface, E*rth standard gravity but theres barely oxygen and the atmosphere Is paper thin, not exactly a place you'd want to vacation on. Now, their Galactic Councils mercenary branch outfit one of the poorer ones, mind you was dispatched to recover it, but they're a bit... ill-equipped for the job compared to their other outfits and thats where youre PMC come In"
I studied the holographic display closely, noting the barren, inhospitable nature of the planet. It was clear why this job wasn't considered high-risk in comparison to others, the environment was hostile, but the opposition? Not so much, apparently the urians were Inherently physically weaker and short lived compared to humans though they'd make It up with their superior technology.
"So, what exactly are we supposed to do?"
I asked, leaning back and crossing my arms.
"Simple. You and your outfit will go in and secure the supply ship's cargo before those other poor bastards do. You'll be using youre spaceship Invicta to get there. The cargo is full of high quality minerals that will be collected by the client in 100 days but here's the kicker,"
She smirked.
"It's first come, first serve, If they get there first you'll have to take It by force."
I raised an eyebrow.
"How long would it take us to get to Med Karash I?"
The guild manager tapped her finger on the display, calculating the time based on Invicta's speed.
"For your corvette, it'll take about 84 days to arrive, assuming everything goes smoothly, It's not a short trip, but considering the pay, it's worth it."
"Alright, and what can we expect from the mercenary slug outfit that was sent to retrieve it?"
I asked.
"Basically how well-armed are we talking?"
She took another long drag from her pipe, blowing the smoke lazily before answering.
"The mercenary outfit sent is from Urian Prime, but they're one of the less fortunate ones. At best, you're looking at one or two slugs with exoskeleton armor and some more advanced weaponry than what you currently have. Nothing too fancy, but definitely something you should keep an eye on."
I nodded, processing the information.
"So, we have a head start. They're under-equipped, but we shouldn't underestimate them. The terrain's the real b*tch here."
"Exactly,"
She confirmed.
"Med Karash I isn't just any molten world. The planet's tectonic plates are a mess, and the atmosphere is a nightmare. It's going to put your ship, your equipment, and your men to the test. But if you pull this off, the payout will be enough to upgrade your gear significantly. Plus, you'll gain favor with my client. They're on their way up the ladder, and having them owe you a favor might come in handy."
I leaned forward, my eyes fixed on the map. The opportunity was staring me in the face, and I knew this was the kind of job we needed. High profit, low risk except for the whole deadly planet and rival mercs part, but hey, nothing's perfect.
"I'm in,"
I said firmly.
"We'll take the job."
The guild manager smiled, tapping on the holo-interface once more.
"Good. I'll send the details to your ship's database. Get your outfit ready, and make sure you're prepared for the conditions on Med Karash I. You'll need every advantage you can get."
I stood up, ready to leave.
"Got It."
"One last thing,"
She added as I turned to go.
"Keep your wits about you, although the slugs are naturally weaker and short lived compared to us humans they have an advantage we don't all of them are synched mentally from the moment they are born so before you Issue an order they will have already thought of a hundred ways to kill you plus their gear although considered s*it In their space to you Its better than what you have."
I smirked, glancing back at her.
"Yeah, yeah don't worry Ill make sure the job Is done"
With that, I left the guild, already thinking of how to break the news to the gang. This was the kind of job we'd been waiting for a real chance to make our mark, upgrade our gear, and establish ourselves as a serious force in this galaxy.
Now all we had to do was get there before the other team did.
Back on board Invicta, I gathered my battle brothers in the common area, laying out the details of the mission on our own tables holographic display.
"Alright, boys,"
I said, zooming in on the Med Karash system.
"We've got ourselves a supply ships cargo to secure. Here's the deal, hot planet, frequent earthquakes, hostile environment. But the merc team sent to get it is under-equipped compared to their other more well off outfits. If we play this right, we beat them there and grab the cargo first."
"Sounds like a good ol' smash-and-grab,"
Darius commented, studying the map.
"I'm in."
"Just be careful, that planet's gonna chew up our gear and spit it out,"
Paul added, always the cautious one.
"We'll need to be smart about this."
"That's why we're going in prepared,"
I said, pulling up a list of equipment such as extra helmets life support CO2 scrubbers we'd need to stock before we left.
"Load up the Invicta, get everything secured. We leave first thing tomorrow."
The gang nodded in agreement, the room filled with a buzz of excitement. Our first real mission was finally here. It was time to see what the Invicta and Terranum Imperium were made of.
...
The Next Morning
The docking bay hummed with activity as we strapped ourselves into our seats, I made my way to the captain's chair on the bridge, glancing at the monitors displaying our external view.
"Alright, boys. Let's get this bird in the sky,"
I said, flicking a few switches to bring up the ship's control panel.
I tapped into the comms system, connecting to the Citadel's space traffic control.
"This is TIS Invicta, requesting clearance for departure over"
I said, my voice clear but with the undercurrent of excitement that came with flying.
A brief crackle of static, and then a calm, professional voice responded.
"Invicta, this is Citadel Traffic Control. Confirming your request for departure. Please stand by while we clear your flight path over"
We waited in tense silence as I watched the screens, the red energy barrier above us preventing us from departing the boys shifted slightly in their seats, the excitement palpable.
"How long's this gonna take?"
Darius muttered, glancing out the window. He was always impatient before a mission.
"Patience,"
I said, keeping my eyes forward.
After a few moments, the control tower responded again.
"Invicta, you are clear for departure. The energy barrier will turn green in T-minus 30 seconds. You are cleared for maximum burn once you're beyond the docking perimeter. Have a safe flight over"
I grinned, flipping the final switches to bring the chemical thrusters to life.
"You heard him, strap in."
As the energy barrier turned green I started flicking switches like a pro.
"Engaging thrusters in 3, 2, 1,"
I announced.
With a flick of the lever, Invicta roared to life beneath us. The ship shuddered as the thrusters ignited, the engines revving as they fought against the pull of the Citadel's artificial gravity.