Chapter 274: Vexical Prime: Unmarked Mercenaries
It turned out there was a reason. A really good reason for that. The mercenaries had been unable to contact any Vexical government or military installation that was still standing. So they had taken up to helping civilians on their own. Eventually the foreign militaries had taken notice and unanimously agreed that local mercenaries were kill-on-sight.
Now they had been divided and had split up into several locations with a mix of groups. All of which were centered around protecting a group of civilians. This group was one such set of mercenaries.
Apparently the only reason they were not being attacked was that they were near an area of contention between three groups. So the enemy was being careful about attacking a fortress for too long since it would expose their backs to their enemies. Fortunately it appears the tower had its anti-air defenses as well. While the civilians were the only thing that was likely keeping them from doing a planetary strike.
For some reason Jace felt all of those things were temporary. Having civilians keep them from an overwhelming attack would only last so long. While the anti-air defenses would only last as long as they had ammunition and power. Then it would not be long before the stalemate on the ground ended. It was only a matter of time before one of the groups got the upper hand.
Which was where they came in. Fortunately it seemed Shepard seemed to realize without him saying anything. Because he loudly sighed as they sat and thought over the mercenaries’ revelations. It seems the Union had not managed to get in contact with them.
"I mean, is it in your purview?" Shepard asked with a shrug. "Besides at the end of the day they need an official contract and payment for services rendered." He pointed out confusing the mercenaries while the rest of their small group were in suspense, waiting for the conclusion of the discussion between Shepard and Jace that was not being spoken out loud.
"It is, I have commander level authority exactly for this reason. With that being said, we will have to rely on the Union to get them off the planet. I doubt the mercenaries have any space vessels they can access at the moment." Jace began planning and realized the amount they will have to rely on the Union. As well as the Mercenaries not betraying them. There was no way it would not catch the attention of the foreign militaries. "We can make this work." Jace decided with a nod of his head.
Shepard sighed and looked at the mercenaries, "we are going to have to ask you to make introductions for us." They exchanged a look of surprise and worry.
Then the one that came to replace the damaged sensor gear spoke up. "Who are you guys with?"
"Union." "Police." "Union." "Police." "Vexical Military. Military Intelligence and Logistics Division." They all responded, getting confused looks that caused Jace to just wave his hands. "Come on, bring them along. We are wasting time and we have only so much of that."
He then turned and opened the door. No longer worried about the mercenary prisoners. He opened the door and walked into the lobby. He looked around as the others followed them inside. They had let the mercenaries follow but had disarmed them. Jace looked around and then spotted a camera that he could tell was broadcasting. He waved at it and then made the motion that most Vexical soldiers learned that meant ’talk’.
"What should we do with these two?" Atlas asked as he waved at the mercenaries. Jace doubts he realized he did it but he deferred to Jace. It did not miss Jace’s notice that Shepard saw that and raised an eyebrow.
"Let them leave, but keep their weapons for now." Jace explained. Then the mercenaries hesitantly walked away. Then they stopped at an elevator that opened up. They then took it up when it opened.
As they waited Jace looked at the ping for the drop pod. If he had to hesitate he would say it was somewhere on the thirtieth floor of the building. He would ask about it during their negotiations.
They only had to wait a few minutes before the elevator or rather elevators dinged and mercenaries came pouring out. Along with coming out of the stairway doors. They came out with their weapons drawn.
Jace raced a hand stopping the others before they could draw their weapons. "So which of you is speaking for the mercenaries?" Jace asked openly, ignoring the weapons that were held at them.
There was a clicking and heavy footfalls as a group of them parted and an old man with graying hair and a number of visible cybernetic enhancements. He was using a cane to stand and walk as he moved. He dragged a metallic peg leg behind him while his other was metallic as well but a newer version.
"The boys call me Boss, what does a bunch of police, terrorists, and a spy want with us?" The man’s voice was slightly robotic as he spoke. While he favored one side while his other, a skeletal robotic hand was motionless. He was just one step shy of a full conversion cyborg. It was strange he had not taken the final step. But he could have an early stage of an incurable mental disease or it might be too expensive.
"Well then, Mercenary Boss." Jace got a glare from the man at that distinction. "I would like to hire you to assist in bringing civilians off this planet. I would like to discuss this while we go to whichever floor has the drop pod that you retrieved."
The Mercenary Boss slammed his cane on the ground and the mercenary’s guns clicked and whirled. This time Jace did not stop the others from raising their weapons. "What makes you think I would be willing to work with you? I could just sell you and the civilians out to those foreign militaries. Guarantee our own escape from this mosh pit of hell."
"The no-rights call was sent out before the warships left the planet." Jace shook his head, "if you assisted them you would just end up as targets yourselves. It was why you did not work with them in the first place. Now do you want to measure dicks or get to work?"
There was a moment of tension before the Mercenary Boss smirked a half smile since half of his face was metal cybernetics. "Let’s talk upstairs."