Chapter 3: The Moon Fairy of Mars

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A black armored limo, with red coloring for enhancing its looks, was currently tearing into the open grounds of Mars as it made its way to a discrete location. Escorting it through its now open journey were ten militarized air bikes. While they looked to be no different from a two-wheeled cruiser of the road, these were enhanced and armored enough to serve any mercenary well. Some had Anti-personal weapons on them, others had anti-vehicle weaponry and two had a weapon system capable of destroying a large chunk out of a city block. Being freed from the constriction of the city buildings, the pilots of the Air bikes were enjoying the freedom of the open space. While still being professional enough to never leave any opening towards their employer.

Jayson C. Hunter was currently wondering if he had made a mistake as they made their way into the wilds of the red planet. As they got farther and farther from the safety of Ares, he couldn’t help but worry he had taken an unnecessary risk. And while Mars was known for its many organized mercenaries and legal raider groups, it still had a bit of a bandit problem.

“Just got word that the Amazons have finally joined us.” Derrick said after listening to the headpiece he was wearing. The redhead was grateful that the all-female mercenary group had agreed to personally guide them to their favorite Arms Dealer. This meant an additional security group to protect him, along with someone capable of vouching for him. This way he could hopefully do business without worrying about being betrayed down the road.

“I’m going to have to remember to send them a thank you gift.” Jayson said with a thoughtful tone.

“They could always use more work.” Derrick offered. His words making the redhead nod his head. While at the same time gaining a frown of disapproval from the lawyer and accountant that had joined them.

‘They probably want to give such work only to those their company approves of.’ Jewel thought with distaste.

“Maybe in the future, but for now let us get our feet on the ground first.”

“Mr. Hunter.” Sakuraba Oda’s words making the young man look towards him. “After looking over the basics of the numbers, along with considering how dangerous space is once again becoming. Perhaps Nexus Reconstructions could look into creating a stronger security force.” The man said making the eyes of the mercenaries glare at him.

“I would agree with such actions,” Angela said making Jayson to focus on her now. While Jayson sat on the back row, the mercenaries that were to protect him rode at one side of the limo while his more office-based employees rode on the other.

“While the Fangs of Saturn are well known for their dedication and loyalty, having your own properly investigated and trained forces would make things much easier on you.”

“I don’t plan to consider such things until after my contract with the Fangs has expired,” Jayson said as he looked towards the specialist from Solar Mediation. His face filling with a serious look as he locked eyes with the two hires he requested.

“And even then as long as the Fangs continue to earn their worth, I don’t see why I would ever need to stop requesting their services. I understand where the two of you are coming from, but I believe in giving everyone a fair chance.”

“We understand.” Oda said as he made sure his frowning partner didn’t step out of line. While they knew their new boss was young and new to his recently gained fortune, they were only employed to advise and do their best to help keep Nexus Reconstructions from collapsing. And while his words made it clear he didn’t plan to part from the Fangs anytime soon. It could also be taken in that he wasn’t completely rejecting their recommendations.

“We got company.” The mercenary sitting at the shotgun position stated making those riding the Limo to get on alert.

“Identification?” Derrick nearly demanded from his men.

“They’re matching the guardian helicopters that the Amazons told us about.”

“They’re sending verification codes as we speak. It shouldn’t take long to receive a response.” Rachel spoke up as she worked on her lifebox with a speed Jayson had never personally seen. He wondered if she would have been better off using a laptop, or maybe a larger lifebox.

“I’m receiving orders to follow them.” The man said after seeing the systems of the Limo linking up with the guardian helicopters.

“Sounds like we're going to be doing some shopping soon.” Jayson said with a smile that helped bring ease to those riding with him.

“For a moment there I was worried things could have gone bad.” Angela admitted as she watched the large and heavily armed helicopters beginning to escort their small convoy.

“It's thanks to the Amazons that we were able to be welcomed so soon. With them being our allies, and willing to travel with us, things were much safer than what it could have been without them.” Jewel said with a light growl towards the two she now labeled as paper pushers.

“Clearly we were too quick to judge them. I’ll be sending a report to my headquarters about the excellent work they have done today.” Oda said with the hope of making the mercenaries to stop showing the hostility they had developed towards them. The man hoped to be given the chance to explain that they hadn’t meant any disrespect towards their group. Instead, they were hoping to get Jayson to offer them the opportunity to be permanently under his care.

“Looks like they rolled out the red carpet for us.” Jayson said as he was able to link with his Limo and use some of its external cameras to see what was happening around them. The location the Arms Dealer was working from was a massive cliffside that had a view of one of the few oceans of Mars. Their vehicles were only to have two air bikes escort them, while two more were members of the Amazons. All of each were now making their way into the natural rock formation that had been turned into a weapon trading post.

After two hours of traveling, they finally came to their destination. And while the outside didn’t have much to show, the inside was breathtaking.

“This place is massive… and its selection is incredible,” Jayson said with awe in his words and disbelief on his face. Even the Fangs of Saturn couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed at the things they were currently looking at. While their two Amazon escorts were clearly feeling very smug about their reactions. Even if Jayson couldn’t see what they looked like thanks to the full-body piloting suit they had on. And considering they had yet to take off their helmets he couldn’t get a feel on their personalities.

‘Everywhere I look there are weapons, vehicles, drones, and ships waiting to be used for battle.’ Jayson thought with disbelief at the mere size and selections being available.

The sound of a woman gently giggling brought the attention of the group towards a figure standing before them. She was dressed like a member of high society. Her long white hair nearly reaching the ground, her borderline pink and red eyes filled with a level of cunning that made her dangerous. Her skin as fair as snow, and her figure was something Jayson thought would normally have to be bought. Yet he knew that what she was, something that could normally only be found in one place.

‘What the hell is a Moon Fairy doing here?’ The redhead and the Fangs thought with disbelief. They knew how rare members with the genes of fairies were. To see one so far of Luna was unheard of. Much less the fact that she currently was more or less doing a job they wouldn’t ever consider worthy of them. The fairies of Luna were considered some of the most elite members of Humanity. The Fairies in fact considered themselves to be superior to most.

Their family had not only monopolized most of the medical science and its creations, but its founders had gone through a dangerous form of genetic manipulation. If the myths were true, nearly five hundred lives were lost during their genetic rewiring. The little over a hundred that survived had then gone on to isolate themselves from most outsiders. Whatever madness they had inflicted upon themselves had not only increased their body’s natural abilities but also enhanced their life expectancy. In the end, their knowledge of such practices and whatever was needed to repeat the treatments had been hunted down and destroyed by the government of Luna. Now the only way to make a fairy is to breed them the old fashion way. And according to rumors that was a path that had suddenly become quite difficult. Apparently, mother nature wasn’t fond of someone trying to modify her work.

“Welcome to my own private slice of hell.” The woman with a natural sex-filled voice said with a light smile. “I heard you were looking for a ship, and if the requirements haven’t changed, I feel like I got just what you would need.” The way she stood before the redhead made it clear that she felt everything was going to be only for her benefit.

“That is one dangerous lady.” Jayson’s words making one of the most exotic beauties in sol to playfully smirk at him.

“Come now young master… you could at least buy me dinner first before planning to offer me a good time.” Her voice once again finding little resistance in his ears.

“I’m pretty sure that after we complete our business you won’t be needing anyone to buy you things any time soon.”The redhead said making her smirk to become a smile as she studied him. She brought along and thin pipe to her lips and took a deep puff as she locked eyes with him. Jayson couldn’t help but feel like she was trying to learn every secret about his life.

“Let’s leave the peons to mingle while we get down to business.” Her words easily leaving much to be imagined, yet at the same time insulting those working for Jayson, and even her own.

“You could bring Mr. Derrick with you. And I’ll have Marcus keep him company.” She quickly turned and began to lead him to a familiar-looking shuttle bus. The redhead ignored the disapproving looks from Angela and Oda but knew that he had to follow if he wanted to get back to space any time soon. Not to mention having peace of mind.

Jayson’s eyes grew big as he saw a man, the same height as Derrick, but he was four times his size in pure bulk alone. And while the mercenary from Titan was heavily armed, it still looked like he would lose if things got rough. He couldn’t help but quickly notice the frown on the face of his bodyguard. He hoped Derrick didn’t come to the same conclusion.

“Keep me company.” The woman’s voice cut through Jayson’s thought, as he looked towards her. What he had thought to be a shuttle bus was actually a rail cart. As they got closer he saw its operator power it on and the vehicle soon raised off the ground thanks to the power of electric magnetism. It looked to be very comfortable, even if he didn’t approve of the balcony that was higher than most of the other seats. A place that the Arms Dealer was currently sitting in. She was smiling at him like if they were previous lovers that still cared about each other.

“Sure.” The redhead tried to say with a calm tone, yet he couldn’t deny that her looks, voice, and personality made it hard for him to properly focus.

‘Nothing ventured nothing gained.’ Jayson thought as he made his way to the lone seat next to the genetically enhanced beauty.

“That’s it. Nice and easy.” She encouraged him as her newest guest finally sat down next to her. “I don’t plan to start biting any time soon young master, so please... feel free to relax.”

“Kind of hard to do so when you admit to wanting to bite me in the future.” The redhead said in a dull tone as the cart began to travel down its magnetized tracks.

“I promise you will grow to like it.” Her teasing voice once more filling the air.

“I can’t help but want to doubt that… so what kind of ships are we going to be seeing?” Jayson asked with the hopes of getting to a safer topic. The twinkle in her eyes made it clear that she had no plans for him to ever feel safe when around her.

“I’ve gone over the list of things you are currently looking for. And I have isolated it down to mainly two ships and a few that will more than likely be rejected. The first is a new cruiser I gained from a warlord that tried to go back on one of our deals. Sadly I already have a few of my other customers wishing to get their hands on it.” The white-haired beauty did a light pout like she was expecting him to become upset at her.

“Can’t be helped.” The redhead said with a bit of a carefree tone. His words making her look at him with a bit of shock before a coy smile grew on her face. Jayson wishes he could swallow some of the unease he was feeling but knew that such actions would only feed her desire to mess with him more.

Once again her eyes trying to find something that he knew he probably didn’t have.

“Are you not interested in the capabilities of the Martian Cruiser? It is one impressive ship that isn’t even ten years old.” Her words making Derrick instantly turn and look at them with disbelief.

‘A ship so new would be nearly impossible for someone to get their hands on, even if she is supposed to specialize on weapons of war. What kind of idiot tried his luck against hers only to lose such a ship?’ The mercenary thought with a frown on his face. Along with s growing sense of worry about who they were dealing with.

“No… I want to see what other treasures you happen to be hiding?” His words once more making the Luna native smile at him in a way that made him sweat a bit.

“Pity… I was hoping to introduce you to my newest toy… I have half a heart to keep it for my own personal collection.” Her playful tone making the young man wish he could put some additional space between them.

“Even more of a reason for me not to take it into account.” Jayson couldn’t help but worry some more as her smile grew lightly stronger on her face. As they came upon a ship she quickly took a hold of his arm and began to point at her ware. He knew her excitement was fake but he couldn’t deny how adorable it made her look.

“This is the basic frigate used by most colonial military groups. Cheap, reliable, and easy to maintain. She’ll serve you well as long as you keep up a routine of maintenance. And while one might not meet your demands five of them will. They would also be cheaper than buying a single larger ship.” Her words making Jayson give proper consideration to her words.

The ship was over two hundred meters long, he guessed it to be a little under the three hundred mark. It had two large cannons on top, and a dozen close-range guns, along with four anti-air defense systems. And while it was tempting to get a group of these ships he didn’t think he would need that many. At least not yet, since he assumed it would be a nightmare to staff so many.

“Let us head to the next one.” Her words quickly filling his ears before he got a chance to make his opinion known. Moments later they were facing a larger ship. It looked like someone took much more care on its design than most ships he had seen, besides Purple Rose.

“This is a Jovian Light Cruiser, I only have six on hand at the moment. She is a fast ship, with her dedication being towards close combat. Her shield and armor are fair but just weaker than most ships her weight class. Her main gun is quite powerful but has a very pesky charge time. She makes up that fault by having a variety of missiles to attack with. Along with front and rear torpedo launchers.”

Jayson looked upon the ship that was clearly a higher class than the frigate from earlier. It was more stylish and its weapons had a glowing charge on them, which made it clear they weren’t ballistic weaponry.

“So what’s wrong with her?” Jayson asked making the beauty at his side pouted her cheeks once more.

“I think saying the word wrong is a little too strong. She just happens to be a bit more of a glass cannon when compared to other ships.” He could hear a hint of shame in her words.

“I can’t deny her beauty but at the moment I can’t afford to take such a risk.”

“It's okay young master, I know I have to have something that can catch your eyes.” The rail cart took off once again as Jayson wondered if his siblings were struggling with getting their hands on a ship of their own. He still couldn’t believe how much time it was taking to find something capable of traveling long distancing while surviving the harsh environment of space, along with carrying his own personal protection force… actually that was a bit too much demand now that he thought about it.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“Unfortunately this is going to be the last ship I can show you.” Her words making the redhead look at her with confusion because he can see a few far larger ships ahead of him. “The young master will need a proper permit to legally own those ships.”

“And that isn’t something that can be easily so obtained, correct?”

“Sadly no, even someone with the connections I have it would still take years and a properly sized mercenary group or security force in order to operate such a ship.” Her pout returned with greater force as she clearly worried about failing to gain some of his money.

“A shame, they are quite impressive after all.” His words bringing her to smile once more. “So what can you tell me about this ship?” The cart finally came to a stop in front of a large ship and began to circle it. It was a unique experience riding a roller coaster track that was designed to show off a weapon of war.

“This ship on paper is a Heavy Class Cruiser and while it comes from Earth there isn’t many willing to take her off my hands. Not a single buyer if you want me to be honest.” A frown soon filled her face as she no doubts remembered previous attempts at selling it.

“And what’s wrong with her? I can’t think anyone ever willing to pass on a ship from earth.”

“Normally I would agree but she isn’t a mainline ship. From the research data we have acquired on her, she was one of six ships that were built in hopes of gaining a military contract. Unfortunately for her class, her designer had a personal grudge against the growing barrier systems. And instead built a ship with far thicker armor than normal. Along with a series of heavy-impacting guns that put a heavy strain on its reactor. And while she is a bit larger than most Heavy Cruiser, she barely escaped the battle cruiser cut off.”

“Which is a good thing considering all her flaws. How old is she?”

“Young master… you should know better than to ask a lady for her age.”

“That old huh?” Jayson said as he looked towards the ship he was currently looking at. She was nearly half a size bigger and a bit short of being twice as long as the Jovian Light Cruiser. She looked imposing due to her large guns and the number of lesser guns on her. The sub-weapons looked to be bigger than the main ones of the frigate. And while the Main guns were only a set of three they looked far more powerful than the more modern ones of the Martian ship.

“So how many guns are we looking at?” His words gained a smile.

“Three main dual-barrel heavy cannons, two facing forward with one facing back. Giving you 180 degrees of coverage from its upper decks. The Ship's seven single barrel cannons were apparently better known for their range rather than their power. Those will give your 360 degrees of cover.” Her words making Jayson fill with shock.

“Five of the sub guns are better at facing forwards than back, leaving two for rear defense. Along with sixteen defensive guns that can do a fair amount of damage at close combat range but are mostly for shooting down smaller threats. She’s a gunship by design, giving her no missiles or Torpedoes to her name. All in the name of keeping her legal.”

“Are the guns worth it?”

“Not much can stand against pure directed energy. Their range is impressive, and given enough time can cut their way through most obstacles.”

“And I ask myself again what wrong with the ship?” Jayson said with a tone that had the lovely native of Luna giggled at the face he was currently making. She was clearly enjoying spending time with her new potential customer.

“Her main guns need not only a charge before firing but also a brief cool down in order to prevent self-damage. And while her sub guns are easier to manage, you would be better off using a group of frigates instead of only using the single barrel. However, like I said before not much can stand long against a barrage of directed energy.” Eliena said with a teasing tone.

“Her defensive guns are probably some of the best on the market. I have had some fools before wishing to strip them off her. Her extra-large generator and subsystems would be a wet dream on any other ship her size, if not one Tier bigger, but they are overstrained due to her weapon systems.”

“Is there any way for us to fix her flaws with our current technology?” Jayson's words making the woman start blinking her eyes rapidly before looking at him with disbelief.

“You wish to invest more money in her after buying her?” The woman said with clear confusion in her voice.

“So far it sounds like she was just built at the wrong time by the wrong person. If we can fix her power needs along with making her a bit more up to date… I can see myself buying her.”

“When I got my hands on her, I never considered making the necessary corrections. It was simply too expensive as it would be time-consuming. There is also the fact of how draining the labor would be. Shall we take a walk in her and see what changes you wish to make. In the meantime, I can have some of my engineers take a look over her and see what needs to be done. Thankfully I was able to purchase the rights to her blueprints and class. No need to pay others for our desire to modify her.”

“Sound like a plan.” Jayson said with a smile that the Moon Fairly instantly returned.

+-*/\*-+

Deep within the heart of Ares, the sound of an expensive hotel suite being destroyed could be heard. If the room hadn’t been soundproof its neighbors would have already called the local authorities. Within the luxury room was a young man standing while panting in rage. His orange hair was spiked in different directions, and just like his younger brother, he was fit, but not by being physically active. This man had taken the easier way out and used science to gain the body he desired. It was expensive, time-consuming, and depending on one's lifestyle might need regular treatments.

“Lord Bismark.” The voice of an older gentleman filled the air making the formerly rampaging individual to look towards him.

“What is it? Can’t you see I’m busy?” The man growled out as he swung his arms around like he was showing off a day of productive work. However, the only thing he had created recently was nothing but shame and pity.

“I care not for your temper tantrums.” The older man hissed out making the younger one to flinch for a moment. “What I do care about is having my men waste their time cleaning up after your messes. Especially while on a planet like Mars that isn’t well known for looking the other way.”

“Ah… seems like I allowed my anger to get the better of me.” The orange-haired man said with a thoughtful tone as he finally remembered that he hadn’t been alone before thrashing the place he was renting. Laying dead at his feet was a woman that used to be considered quite the beauty.

She had unfortunately been convinced by her soon-to-be killer to wait for him in his suite. The promises of a good time and pampering easily drawing her in. Only to find herself becoming the punching bag of a man that didn’t deal with disappointment in a proper manner.

“A pathetic understatement like usual. How many times must I warn you to be more considerate of your actions?” The older man stated with a growl before looking behind him. He nodded his head towards a group of four that soon moved towards the crime scene and began to dispose of it.

“Just a few more.” The younger man stated with a calm tone as he walked away from his latest kill. He went to the nearby bar and served himself a drink as the sound of the crimes being committed in the background went on.

“It is clear to see that your plan failed. I warned you that this was not going to be one of the times where things were just going to go your way. And yet like the first time I met you, you fail to grasp such a simple concept.” The older man said as he now stood next to the now much richer man.

“Is there really a need for such harsh words?” The billionaire asked with a carefree tone. “I think I did this world a favor by removing such filth from existence.”

“And yet you took the time and effort to seduce such filth.”

“There is times where even garbage can look beautiful.” The younger man smirked after his words.

“If you weren’t such a stable paycheck I would have left you to your idiocy long ago.” The older man said with disgust in his words.

“And it's because of my pedigree and wealth that I am allowed to do as I wish. And no filthy piece of shit will deny me the pleasures I seek.” The billionaire’s words were said with such arrogance that it made the older man glared at him once more.

“We have been able to locate the positions of three of your siblings. My fleets are ready to intercept them as you instructed.” The man growled out.

“Only three? I’m surprised that you have had such little success. Perhaps time is finally catching up to a raider of your age?” The orange-haired man insulted before laughing at his own joke.

“Whether that’s true or not doesn’t matter. Four of your siblings hired mercs that not even I would mess with. The last two have already left the planet.”

“No doubt those two being the eldest of all my siblings.” The middle child of ten nearly allowed his spoiled brat image to spark once more.

“That is correct, considering the fact that they took less time than your youngest sibling to deal with their paperwork, one can easily think that they had a better understanding of the situation than the others.” The Raider leader stated making the younger man toss his drink to the wall.

“Don’t speak of that trash again.” His words now filled with rage as he turned to glare at the hired guns he had known for so long.

“I want you to find him, that lower life form doesn’t deserve any gifts from my grandfather. I am the true heir and as true heir, I will regain everything that was supposed to be mine.” Madness filled his words as the raiders around him looked upon a scene they had grown accustomed to.

“But enough of that Michael lets find me a more pleasant place to rest.” The orange-haired man said towards the gray-haired one before him. The Raider Leader looked upon the fool he was contracted with before sighing and following the psychopath out of the room. His team would finish their work and ensure that his charge wouldn’t be bothered with the fallout of his actions once again. For over ten years they have been dealing with such issues and more than likely will continue until their client’s death.

‘If he didn’t pay so well I would have already killed him myself.’ Michael thought as he once again wondered how did such a feared Raiding group fall into the control of such a waste of space. The man growled once again as he glared at the back of the fool he had to follow.

+-*/\*-+

Jayson was surprised to find himself a spectator of a sudden battle of wills. After returning to the others, with Derrick and the Arms Dealer at his side, he was quickly confronted by Angela and Oda. And the next thing he knew they had taken over the negotiations from that point on. He was shocked at the amount of pure knowledge the two were displaying, along with how aggressive they were at defending his interest. But what currently left him gawking with awe was how the Arms Dealer was easily dealing with them.

The redhead could tell that she wasn’t putting much effort as his advisors did in the battle with their words. It hadn’t taken long for complicated words and mathematical figures to start filling the air. And at that point they had lost him. Jayson never considered himself stupid, but these three were clearly far beyond his basic knowledge. And as he looked upon those that came with him he found only Rachel being able to follow the conversation. He was going to have to ask her for some cliff notes later.

“And with this, we have an accord.” The Moon Fairy said with a lovely smile on her face. An aide appeared from the side and offered Jayson a datapad to look at. The redhead caught the flinch Angela made towards it.

‘Probably wanting to read over it before I could. She’s quite gung-ho about doing her job. Even Oda understood that I should get first look. I might not understand most of its writing but I should still see it first.’ The young man thought as his eyes scanned the information before him. Thankfully it seemed that the Moon Fairy and her workers weren’t too keen on burying their customers under a sea of legal words.

‘Everything I asked for is here, all the corrections and recommendations made by the others have already been taken into account. And the price is easily within the limit I had previously informed her about. Even if it's close to capping it out. I’m glad Derrick had Rachel researched the ship and made an estimate on what I wished to accomplish. Their actions made everything so much easier… oh she is giving me full rights as well.’ As his thoughts came to a stop he found himself looking upon the beauty before him. The coy smile filling her face once more, the relaxed manner she sat before him made it clear once again that things had gone exactly how she wished.

“Shall we talk about the ship’s crew? I will have my men train them while the modernization is being made.”

“I’ll leave the hiring and training of the crew in your hands. Unfortunately, I know no one much less anything about such things, making you the best option for me.” Jayson spoke with a bit of shame.

“Mr. Hunter… Solar Mediation could handle such a task.” Angela spoke only to pause as the green eyes of her client-focused on her.

“And how long will that take? I’m sure this isn’t the first time she has had to fill in vacancies for others.” Jayson said with a serious tone.

“That’s correct, the recruiting of potential personnel is also a part of the many services I offer.”

“I promise to allow you to do a background check on them when she finishes assembling our new crew. Along with writing the terms of agreement for them to become a part of Nexus’ payroll. I would normally ask the Fangs for such individuals but this isn’t Titan.” The redhead said with a calm and serious tone. Making it clear he wasn’t trying to make her job unnecessarily difficult. He was just trying to fill in a vacancy as fast as possible with the bare options he had available.

“And I can’t think of any Amazons that would be willing to leave Mars for life on such a distant planet. It would take us too long to do our recruiting from local mercenaries.” Jewel added her opinion. It wouldn’t be the first time that a mercenary group was in dire need of extra hands after all.

“Lady Eliena comes highly recommended by our allies. And seems to understand and respect the idea of doing well by her customers. She has yet to do or say anything that would make it seem like she was hoping to take advantage of Mr. Hunter. Earn as much money as possible perhaps but never outright take advantage of him.” Derrick's words sounded like a fact being stated. He had dealt with enough members of society to know who can and couldn’t be trusted.

“Such kind words are going to make my heart skip a beat.” The beautiful native of Luna said with a smile on her face. A second aid appeared with another datapad, ready to select the individuals' names it was more than likely containing.

“A ship of the Heavy Cruise size needs at least a hundred crewmen.” Her words making Jayson fill with shock.

“Do we really need that many?” The redhead was once again surprised to see that only he had been caught off guard by the number.

“Ships are very delicate and there are many roles needed to keep it running,” Eliena said with a calm and educational tone. It hadn’t taken her long to figure out that her newest client wasn’t as informed as most she usually dealt with. Yet just like Derrick had said, she wasn’t the type to drive away customers with petty actions.

She was the type to appreciate honest work just like what was currently being offered by the redhead before her. Respect and honesty were key traits needed in her type of business. It also helped that she was planning to lay down the foundation for many more future deals.

“I really wasn’t planning to take in so many at once, at least not yet.” Jayson’s words bringing a smile to her face.

“Perhaps.. we can use drones to fill in as many positions as possible?” Oda offered as a solution. One that he approved of since mechanical bodies can work harder and much longer than biological ones. There was also the fact that once purchased its owner didn’t have to worry about it being a regular drain to their funds. At least not as much as having living sentient beings would be.

Over the ages, it had been proven time and time again that machines were simply a cheaper form of labor than their human counterparts. This sole fact didn’t ignore the main issue that both types of workers had their own flaws.

“Synthetics?” Eliena asked herself with a thoughtful look on her face. A third aid came and handed her the datapad they were holding.

“Mechanical worker drones would make it much easier, not to mention more productive when it comes to maintaining a ship of that size.” Rachel’s words were offered as advice towards her contractor.

“They can also work in the vacuum of space without worrying about needing a suit. And are able to do repair work for much longer than a regular human. They are also more accurate and productive at doing repetitive work.” Oda added.

“We do have a few higher-tier worker drones. What about security? Will the Fangs or perhaps the Amazons be dealing with such things?” The white-haired beauty asked Jayson’s advisors.

The two looked towards the mercenaries that have been protecting their client. They knew that Jayson saw them in a favorable light, yet as his employees, it was their job to stack things in his favor. They weren’t entirely sure on how to feel or advise the young man they were charged with helping. Yet they soldiered on since it was a part of their job.

“I think the Fangs would be better for a more mobile defense force. Mr. Hunter’s ships could easily carry Defensive Droids for dealing with threats within its halls. This option would allow us to save as many lives as possible for as long as possible.” Angela said making Jayson think for a moment before gently nodding his head. It made sense, as far as he was concerned using soul-less meat shields was easier on his conscious than having a fellow human being die.

“It would also make traveling the void easier if we have a surplus of supplies for a skeletal crew than just enough for a fully staffed ship. It would also allow us to carry spare parts and armor to handle emergency repairs. The extra space can be used to not only house the drones and droids but whatever other things that could be needed.” Oda added once again.

“It would make things easier for my men. We don’t really have the numbers to protect a ship of that size. Even if we were on Titan, we simply don’t have the ability to spare more than fifty bodies per contract.” Derrick said making Eliena nod her head in understanding.

“Even as one of the top three mercenary groups within Jovian Space, its still understandable that your organization would be spread out so thin. Perhaps this is why The Fangs seemed to be focusing more on Mech Warfare than the more traditional forms.” Eliena’s words making Derrick study her before nodding his head.

‘The Fangs are planning to focus on Mechs... that would explain their limited size when it comes to personnel. Why feed an army for battle when one can just arm a mech that can do even more damage than multiple battalions?’ The redhead thought as he remembered the massive difference in such two forms of battle.

The introduction of the giant mechanical mobile war machines had completely changed the books of war. While space battles were more of a three-dimensional battlefield, such things didn’t take long to adapt to.

On the other hand, a Mech had too many variables that one couldn’t just pin it to one plan in order to win. No two Mechs were ever the same, even if they were mass-produced models. The pilot’s desire for customization made such things impossible to keep. Add to the fact that the pilot themselves can be as diverse as their machine set up, and any battle could usually be considered a first. There were just too many variables that were too hard to track, much less completely plan against.

Even when you have two opposing forces, that have encountered each other multiple times, they couldn’t ever let their guard drop. There was no doubt that either group would have worked hard in order to bring a new element into their fights. Any advantage they could get meant that their chances for victory were that much better.

“The only option we have now is to let our resident tech girl make all soon-to-be choices,”Jayson said while looking at the shy brunette that he had requested to join him within Eleina’s base.

“You want me to make the selections?” Rachel asked with confusion and a bit of disbelief.

“Why wouldn’t I? I’m pretty sure that you have already been going over what machines would be for the best.” His words making her blush a bit before giving him a nod that reassured the confidence he had in her.

‘The things this girl knows would probably fry my brain if I tried to memorize it all.’ Jayson thought with a fond smile as he looked at the tech geek he was lucky enough to have met.

Rachel had linked her lifebox to the massive underground warehouse and maintenance yard that Eliena operated out of. She had been amazed at all things that were being offered. And had been more or less making a list of things that would be best to put into her client’s soon-to-be ship.

Rachel always did such things as mostly as a way to keep herself distracted and would have normally needed Jewel to pitch her recommendations. Since she wasn’t always confident in the things she did, even though it wasn’t hard to see how passionate she could be about war-based technology. She had been called a techno-geek most of her life after all.

“All we have to do is finish the paperwork for my ship, and then have Oda and Rachel figure out how best to set up the defender drone orders.” His words making the two he called for nod their heads in agreement. While Eliena smiled as she learned more about his character. She was finding him to be one of the few positive customers she had ever dealt with.

‘And by the looks of it, the Amazons seem a little sour that they weren’t able to gain his business.’ The white-haired arms dealer knew who the two with Jayson’s group happen to be.

It wasn’t usual to see such key members of an organization being used to introduce a group of strangers. The one mostly taking the lead was one of their attack commando leaders and the second was one of their economic specialists.

‘Poor girls’ own image seems to have done more damage than good.’ Eliena thought as she felt a bit of pity for her long-time allies. They have always done their best when employed by her, and such loyalty always needs to be repaid. She had yet to regret taking a chance when they first got started.

“Young Master. I know that this may seem a bit unusual but may I ask for a bit of a favor.” Eliena’s words easily catching the attention of the group.

“Favor?” Jayson asked with a bit of confusion, he couldn’t figure out what he could offer to such a woman, other than money of course. And even with that, he was sure that someone of her standing wasn’t in much need of it. Desire it? Perhaps, but clearly not in need of it.

“I screen those that work for me as much as possible, however, no matter how much effort one puts towards protecting their home. There will always be vermin in it one way or another. In order to ensure the safety of not only your purchases, I would like to also protect my workers as they finish your order.” Her words making her newest client to nod his head in understanding. It made sense to the redhead that a transaction like the one they were making would catch the wrong attention.

“And how can I help with that? I don’t think the Fangs would be willing to split their attention if such things aren’t needed. Not to mention they will need to work on bringing their supplies and equipment towards the ship.” His words making Derrick nod his head which caused Eliena to give him another coy smile.

“Why by having our mutual friends give us a hand.” It was a unique sight to see as the Moon Fairy raised her delicate hand towards the pair of female mercenaries that had been standing in the background. Mercenaries were a bit caught off guard at the sudden recommendation from the Moon Fairy.

“Our organization wouldn’t be opposed to helping out our allies with protecting their customer, along with making the transition from Ares to Hera’s Blacksmith to be a much easier journey.” The taller of the two said with a strong voice. She really hoped to gain some favor with the young man that seemed to be a rare kind of customer. The kind of Customer that anyone would be more than willing to continue doing business with.

“We promise to give a more than fair charge in the name of the friendship between our two mercenary groups.” The shorter woman said with a kind voice. As the economic expert between the duo, she knew how badly they needed extra income thanks to their sudden gain of negative press.

“Our stuff is already at their base, to begin with, and they have been a great host during our stay here.” Derrick admitted with support towards the group that done so much for them. Even if they were only allies on paper, the Amazons had been doing their best to honor such a promise. It was only fair that he did the same, especially as they were proving to be more than what the rumors said.

“It would also be easier for them to get the permits needed to transport our equipment. If it wasn’t for them we would probably still be stuck at customs.” Jewel added with a bit of shame in her words.

“Then let us make it happen. Angela and Jewel will work with the Amazons on making a contract favorable with all. In the meantime, I feel like I would like to continue the tour and see what other treasures Eliena might be hiding.”

“What a wonderful plan young master.” The native of Luna stated with excitement before skipping towards the couch he had been on and grabbing his hand. She quickly helped pull him to his feet as she guided him to a nearby rail cart.

“I have so many trinkets and toys to offer.” Her excitement easily being caught on by the redhead.

“I have no doubt on that.” A smile was given in return as the newest billionaire allowed himself to be led by the white-haired beauty. A part of him still wondered about the world he was being forced to learn of, yet the rest of him couldn’t help but feel excited. His life before being on Mars had been a simple yet repetitive one. A far cry from what he was now starting to embrace, he couldn't help but wonder what else he was going to experience from this point on.