“You can vote or choose among yourselves who will take over. That will be interesting in its own way. And as a sign of good faith for our short cooperation, I will give each of you five hundred thousand credits, which you are free to spend.” Ubel said as he sent them the number of credits he had mentioned. All that was waiting for them to do was to accept it. “But I don’t care and I wish you all the best, blah blah blah.”
His words were met with a mixture of confusion and curiosity from the crew. For many, the idea of turning away from the pursuit of power and wealth seemed incomprehensible. After all, it was this very pursuit that had brought them together under Ubel's command in the first place, the very reason why they accepted readily his usurpation of Munda’s position.
All of his now-former crew including those who intended and planned to betray him, had received 500,000 credits except Elpano. The crew exchanged incredulous glances, unable to fully comprehend the magnitude of what was unfolding before them. To be offered such a substantial sum of credits during a mutiny where the one that was offering, was in a more advantageous position, was unheard of in their line of work. Especially after getting used to their former commander, Munda, who had been more inclined to take than to give.
"Are you serious?" one crew member finally managed to stammer out, breaking the tense silence that had settled over the group.
"I am." Ubel nodded, confirming his words. Then he continued. “Anyways, be quick about it. Well, I already paid for the docking fee, taxes, the overhaul of the fleet, and the resupply… so it's already not a bad deal for you. It’s like you’re all starting in better conditions this time around.”
"We... we don't know what to say." one crew member spoke up, the words echoing the sentiment shared by all.
Their boy commander offered them a small grin.
"You don't need to say anything," he replied.
"But why, commander?" they asked, their tone a mixture of curiosity and confusion.
"Why would you give us so much? What's your angle?"
Ubel mulled for a moment before answering.
“I used to laugh at cave divers and cave explorers who would risk themselves crawling through tight holes and passages just to feel a sense of extreme thrill that could only be found when facing danger.” Ubel's lips curled into a wry smile, his gaze holding a hint of mischief as he regarded his crew. “Now, I can relate to what they feel. It truly is addicting, to say at least.”
But they still couldn’t understand his point. Ubel realized this and laughed to himself.
"Never mind my ramblings. Ignore it! Haha! Anyways, just consider my gift to all of you as an investment," he replied cryptically. "An investment in your potential, in your ability to carve out your fate, and perhaps, if fate should have it, our paths may cross again someday. You see I have a very bad habit of making enemies just to make things… interesting and fun."
Ubel chuckled softly, the sound tinged with a hint of amusement in anticipating what would happen in the future.
"Because where's the fun in fighting boring enemies?" he replied with a shrug. "A boy like me that decided to become an outlaw and pirate, needs worthy adversaries to keep his career interesting. And who better to challenge me than those I've invested in?”
The crew fell silent, pondering over Ubel's words with a mixture of apprehension and intrigue. However, their leaders and figures of authority realized the true personality of their commander. This was a testament to what they had suspected to be Ubel’s unpredictable nature, his penchant for weaving intricate webs of intrigue and manipulation that kept them perpetually on their toes.
“So… yeah, I will continue my career on my own this time. So-” he mockingly saluted them as he said his statement. “It’s been a short but fun time together! You are free. Now off you go!”
The crew exchanged uncertain glances, still grappling with the implications of Ubel's words. It was clear that their former commander had always marched to the beat of his drum, guided by motives and desires that often eluded their understanding. Even now with Ubel’s mischievous expressions, he was still unreadable for them.
“Commande-”
“You fuckers should leave the premises of my freighters and Blitzkrieg right now,” Ubel said loudly, echoing across his former crew. Interrupting any more dialogues with them he wanted to finish his business with this station and leave as soon as possible.
Realizing that they couldn’t change his mind or make more dialogues with him, they turn their back and head to their ships with very obviously conflicted faces. Ubel sighed in relief as he turned and also released the service of the Banking Group’s ferry that immediately went on its way. He glanced at his prisoner and told him of his sweet release.
“You can leave now. Elpano. I already took your entire assets as payment for what you did. So off you go.” Ubel said as he gently pushed Elpano who was still in shock for the development of the current events around him. Slowly, the crowd of Demonic Monkeys passed by them.
“Elpano, I said you are free. Go. I don’t need you anymore.” Ubel repeated to the still-traumatized man, gesturing towards the exit. "Time to go.”
The broken man nodded in terror and quickly joined the rest of the departing crew of the Demonic Monkeys.
Then he was approached by Creed and Bastille, behind him were those familiar faces who accompanied him earlier in the station.
“Are you not going to make an exemption, commander?”
“Huh? Exemption?” Ubel was genuinely confused at Creed’s question.
“What if-”
Ubel didn’t wait for his question to finish and left them to continue with his previous business. He didn’t even look back as he disappeared back to Blitzkrieg.
As he watched them depart from his ship’s bridge, he thought inwardly and realized how he harbored a shallow state of camaraderie with the crew. Even their act of betrayal made him bored. They began to file out of the Blitzkrieg’s docking bay, their footsteps echoing against the metal floor. Still, he would be lying if he said that he didn't find them wanting. He grinned as he turned his back at their retreating silhouettes, disappearing from the vicinity. And with that, the last of them disappeared from view. Ubel turned his attention back to the task at hand. With a sense of finality settling over him, he decided to close the entire premises for his access only.
---
Ubel stood on the observation deck of the Blitzkrieg, watching as the massive cargo freighter docked beside his ship. It was an imposing vessel, cargo filled with weaponry and arms that he had bought. He had spent a considerable amount of their recently acquired funds on this delivery, and now he was eager to see if it would live up to his expectations. Then more and more massive freighters keep coming in, unloading their holds.
The comms panel next to him beeped, and the face of one of his droids appeared on the screen. Its expressionless visage betrayed no emotion, but its voice was clear and precise.
“Commander Ubel, the cargo freighters just arrived. 83% had already been unloaded. Awaiting your permission to begin loading to Blitzkrieg’s cargo bay.”
“Proceed. Ensure that all items are accounted for and inspect them thoroughly. I don’t want any surprises and lacking later.” he nodded.
“Acknowledged, Commander. Initiating the loading process.”
Ubel watched as the droids moved with precision, some of them were using heavy equipment to reinforce themselves. Their mechanical limbs lift and carry crates of weapons, vehicles, and golems with ease. The cargo bay of the Blitzkrieg was slowly being filled with the spoils of their purchase. Rows new droid models, crates of ammunition neatly stacked, the armored vehicles lined up in orderly rows, and the golems stood silently, their eyes glowing a faint blue as they awaited their next command.
As the droids continued their work, Ubel’s lead command droid, a sleek model with a polished exterior, approached him.
“Commander, an arms dealer named Sadeena, wishes to speak with you. Shall I patch her through?”
“Yes, put her through.”
The screen on the wall flickered to life, revealing the face of the woman he had made a trade with earlier. Her eyes were sharp and calculating, taking in every detail of Ubel’s surroundings. Probably using it to study the background of her client.
“Mr. Ubel, I trust the delivery meets your expectations?” she asked.
“So far, so good. But I want to make sure everything is in working order before I send you the final payment. I don’t like being shortchanged.”
He wasn’t sure, but he may have heard the arms dealer chuckle for a second before covering it with her stoic face through the holo.
“Of course, of course. We have a reputation to maintain, after all. But I must say, you’ve made quite the investment here.”
“That’s none of your concern. Just know that your products will be put to good use.”
“Very well. I look forward to our future dealings, Commander. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of our beautiful relationship. We await your future visit.”
With that, the holo went dark, leaving Ubel alone with his thoughts. He turned back to the cargo bay, watching as the last of the crates were unloaded.
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“Once the inspection is complete, I want you to oversee the distribution. These toys will be redistributed later with the three combat freighters. Make sure that each ship will get what they need, and don’t forget to hold a little back for emergencies.” He said. “The ships were still under massive overhauls, probably three days from now, they will arrive.”
“Understood, commander.”
He turned to leave, his mind already racing with plans for their next raid using the droids but he also had some thoughts of recruiting a human crew. But before he could make a full decision, one of the command droids approached, carrying a data pad.
“Commander, I have the preliminary inspection report. All purchased items have now been delivered and are accounted for, and there are no defects detected in the weapons, equipment, or vehicles. The golems are fully operational and ready for deployment.”
“Good. Also, have the golems integrate into our security forces immediately. I want them ready for any contingencies.”
“Acknowledged. Deploying golems to security detail.” The droid turned to relay his orders. Then a drone notified him of a person asking for permission to talk with Ubel. He saw through the eyes of the drones that this person was accompanied by some rough-looking men and women. He could sense blood and violence emanating from them.
Ubel's brow furrowed in curiosity. The drone's notification had been unexpected. And the fact that this thug was seeking an audience with him was certainly unusual. He knew about the not-so-secret memo about him from the ruling circle of this station. Then he decided to humor them as he appeared on the Holo that was placed by the drone. He watched through the drone's camera as a group of thugs approached closer. The lead thug, a man in glasses moved with a swagger that suggested he was used to getting what he wanted. His entourage, a mix of heavily armed gang members, flanked him on either side, their expressions a blend of curiosity and hostility.
"Permit them to enter, but ensure that they are escorted by a detail of security droids at all times. I’ll meet him and his goons at the entrance of Blitzkrieg." Ubel agreed to meet with them, curiosity mingling with caution.
He watched through the drones as these men and women were guided through the winding corridors made by his massive cargo. They passed his myriad security measures and the bustling activity of his operations on the loading bay. The drones and droids were busy loading cargo onto his colossal Titan ship.
Ubel had information about the state of the power structure in the Banedog's Backyard. This station was ruled by a handful of powerful gangs, famiglias, and cartels, each vying for control of the station's resources and territories in each section of the station. These gangs and organizations were as diverse as the inhabitants of the station, their members hailing from every corner of the galaxy. The information that he got was from the 10-year Archive from Gold. And among the ruling circle, three main powerful gangs at the table ruled this part of the port where he was currently docked.
The Chrome Serpents, cybernetically enhanced famiglias that controlled this area’s main power grid. Their leader, a hulking figure known as Morred Steel, was rumored to be more machine than man. The CS were feared for their brutality and their near-total dominance of the station's energy supply for this port. Which they used to keep their minor rivals in check and maintained their main source of income from port taxes and protection.
The second was the Neonmyx, a group of hackers and tech-savvy outcasts who had carved out a territory in the station's underbelly. Led by the enigmatic Green Ghost, they specialized in cyber warfare, turning the very infrastructure of the docks into their weapon. They were given the power to maintain a quarter of this station’s cyber security as their responsibility and exchange for being given the position in the ruling circle. The docking agents that handle each ship and the accounting of every ship entering this port were mostly their members. With this power and responsibility, they became more powerful when they united several smuggling cartels under their wing. And actually, Ubel was interested in meeting them. A Neuromancer like him is interested in meeting other cyberfellow outlaws.
The Principality of Babies, a gang of mercenaries and former soldiers, controlled the ‘physical’ security detail of these docks and the protection of the flow of goods in and out of the station. Their leader, a grizzled veteran known as Red-Eye, who was rumored to be a former soldier in the Colonial Alliance who deserted during their war against UGTR. These organizations were known for their discipline and their ruthless efficiency, making them a force to be reckoned with in the chaotic environment of the Banedog's Backyard.
While Ubel was cautious about forming alliances with these organizations, he couldn't deny that their positions had potential benefits. With their help, he could expand his influence even further and solidify his position here, although… he had no goal or even thoughts of being anchored to this station. But still, he knows that these outlaws bring out the fun.
And now he was curious about where these thugs belong to.
And when they entered the vicinity of Blitzkrieg, these strangers looked suitably impressed. Their eyes widened at the sight of the APCs and golems being loaded, but it was the Blitzkrieg that truly captured their attention. The ship was a behemoth, casting a long shadow over the proceedings, a silent reminder of who held the upper hand in this meeting.
The lead thug looked at him and offered a hand.
“Curo Burton, member of the Francesca Famiglia under Chrome Serpents.” He introduced himself.
Ubel's interest was piqued; Francesca was a name he hadn't heard in years, not since he had been a mere player in the larger game of the Banedog's Backyard. Curo's mention of his famiglia brought a fleeting smile to Ubel's face, but he quickly shifted to business. He didn't have time for nostalgia; he was in the middle of a crucial loading operation.
"Let's cut to the chase, Curo," Ubel said, his tone brisk and authoritative. "What do you want?"
Curo's expression turned serious as he responded.
"Straight to the point huh? Then I will be direct. We want to buy this ship." he pointed at Blitzkrieg.
The request was so audacious that Ubel almost laughed. He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Not for sale," he replied flatly. He sighed inwardly as this was the nth time that someone tried to buy Blitzkrieg from him. “If that is all, then-”
"Name your price." Curo's eyes narrowed, but he didn't back down. Ubel met his gaze. It was a strange sight to see a teenage boy looking up at a man who was accompanied by intimidating people.
"There is no financial value to this vessel," Ubel said with his steely voice. "She is priceless to me."
Curo seemed to consider his next move, his gaze flicking to the colossal ship looming behind Ubel.
"We can make it worth your while. The Francesca Famiglia has resources—"
"Not interested," Ubel interrupted. “Again, if that is all you wanted from me, please leave. The drones and droids will guide you out.”
The tension in the room was palpable. Curo's entourage shifted uneasily, their hands drifting toward their weapons. Ubel's drones hovered silently, their cameras trained on the intruders, ready to react at a moment's notice.
“We are not here for trouble.” Curo held up a hand, signaling his men to stand down. His words were meant for his men as he turned his head and glared at them. “Don’t try to do anything stupid until I tell you to do so.”
Then he turned back to Ubel and gave a short bow.
“My apologies. And it seems that I cannot persuade you." He said, a note of resignation in his voice. "But please know this, the Francesca Famiglia is willing to buy your ship just in case you change your mind in the future."
“Fine, will that be all?” Ubel impatiently asked.
Curo sighed, the weight of his earlier failure evident in his posture.
"We have another proposition for you," he said, trying a different approach as took out a cigarette from his picket and lit it up with a spark from his fingers.
"I'm listening." Ubel raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"We want to hire you to deliver a shipment for us," Curo said, his tone cautious. Ubel started to think that they wanted to use his large ship for bulk transport which he doesn’t mind as long as they could pay for the costs and give him good profit.
"What’s the package?" Ubel's curiosity was piqued further.
Curo's lips curled into a cryptic smile.
"We cannot disclose that here."
That response was enough to tell Ubel what he needed to know. It was either stimulants or weapons, both lucrative but highly dangerous cargo. He leaned back, tapping his fingers thoughtfully against his arm.
"And the destination?"
"Bvasid City, Umbriel," Curo replied. "One of Uranus’ moons."
"What's the payment?" Ubel's eyes narrowed. Umbriel was a treacherous location, remote and difficult to reach undetected. Worse even, this space is strictly under the watch of the UGTR Navy. “Is it in credits? Or stimulants?”
"We're offering 434 million credits as an initial payment and 752 million upon completion." Curo's demeanor grew serious.
Ubel's interest was piqued now. The amount that Curo had just offered, told on how valuable this contract will be.
"That is a lot," he mused. "And the conditions?"
"The shipment must be delivered intact, undetected, unopened, and undisclosed at any cost during the delivery." Curo leaned forward, his voice low and urgent.
Ubel's grin widened. He finally realized that this was probably more than just a delivery—it was a covert operation with layers of intrigue. There was something within the Francesca Famiglia that required absolute discretion, and Ubel wanted to know what it was.
"Interesting," he said, his voice laced with anticipation. "But I am no smuggler so I have no code or principle to be discrete. So, if you are offering a courier contract, knowing what I will carry is one of my requirements."
Curo nodded relief and determination in his eyes.
“Then my elder brother will meet with you and discuss more details about this contract.”
"Your elder brother?" Ubel's eyebrows rose. He quickly accessed Curo's identification data through his internal scanner, uncovering another significant detail. The man was referring to his boss rather than a blood-related sibling, or both because he found out that Curo was referring to one of the grandsons of Francesca Famiglia's patriarch, a fact that added another layer of complexity to the deal.
"Yes," Curo confirmed.
And Ubel had a feeling that this was the real reason why they wanted to meet him. The contract was only a natural trap for him to agree to a meeting. Although Ubel still could reject their request, he was not the kind of player who would ignore interesting encounters. No matter how minor it was, he always loved to be misled and delayed by side quests in the game.
“Fine.” He replied. Curo seemed relieved by Ubel’s acceptance.
Ubel considered this new twist. Meeting with a high-ranking member of the Francesca Famiglia could provide valuable insight and potential leverage. And he also wanted to meet this man who could answer some of his questions that these goons most likely don’t know.
"Good. For now, we'll transfer the initial payment to you immediately. The details of the shipment will be sent to you shortly."
“But I still have not accepted your transport contract.” Ubel frowned.
Curo however just shrugged.
“You can ask my boss about that as he only told me to pay you the initial amount if you agreed to meet with him.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“Something tells me that your boss also mentioned something else.”
“Ah yes… I heard him say that, it doesn’t matter if he pays in advance right after you accept our invitation. He is confident that you will take this contract after meeting him.” Curo replied.
“That is interesting.” Then Ubel received a notification of a credit transfer from Curo’s side. He extended a hand and accepted the payment. Curo shook Ubel's hand firmly. However, there was another lingering question that nagged at Ubel. He fixed Curo with a piercing gaze, curiosity, and suspicion mingling in his eyes.
"By the way, can I ask a question?”
“Shoot.” Curo raised his brow and answered.
“What changed your impression of me?" Ubel asked. "I know every Famiglia and gang had unanimously decided to steer clear of me."
Curo’s expression remained unreadable.
"That answer is not part of the deal," he replied curtly. “But… that’s not it. I also don’t know… but maybe the boss will tell you that himself.”
Ubel shrugged, deciding not to press further. Some mysteries could wait.
"Fine. Nevermind then. So where will I meet him?"
Curo paused for a minute, obviously communicating with someone else on the other side silently then replied.
"Tomorrow, at the Red Viper Lounge in the Red Delight District. Noon."
Ubel agreed, and with that, Curo and his entourage finally departed. Then he returned to his droids who also reported the status of the jobs that Ubel assigned to them. Then as he decided to prepare himself for tomorrow’s meeting, he remembered that he had been taken out two times already in this station. So he decided to bring some big guns as a precaution.