With It being agreed that I was a co leader that basically handled the running of the company, I had to go with Dexter to handle the documents. I sent the accountent to the department to do that shit on his own and had some guys go do some final checkups on the Issaribi and load the recently repaired mobile suit from that general while I handled other business lime the meeting with that fat fuck, Mr Orcus.
In normal circumstances, no one would want to go ahead with the contract knowing what would happen but I had no real reason to reject him. I didn't have the authority or evidence to do so.
Plus, even if I did, I don't think I would. Part of the reason Tekkaden had gotten far was cause of it's reputation. A reputation massively built on managing to evade and defeat the giant that was Gjallarhorn. So I had to go with cannon for now and just do the deal but I wouldn't accept the outrageous price.
When I arrived, the bastard thought he could fuck with me cause I was young. Once he saw me in person, he tried to raise the amount we would need to pay him to 50%. After some serious haggling that almost ended in me canceling the whole thing, he finally agreed to bring it down to 35%.
Now, I wouldn't normally risk it but I knew why he wanted this contract. He would be able to tattle to Gjallarhorn and likely earn their favour or way more money than he thought he ever could from dealing with us.
After that, I headed into town to visit someone I and Andre were close with when we were on the streets before CGS. Telling Andre to watch over the mobile worker we came in, I entered a side street, I couldn't help but smile at how the lack of change despite the years. Still the same shitty trash cans that held…oh god, it smells worse than I remember. Should not have tried opening it.
" Hey, do you know who's streets you on."
Ah, it was quite funny how those words were the reason I died but were the reason my new life hadn't ended as soon as I got to this shitty world. Turning, I was met with a few common British kids. All of them carried shanks, one even holding a machete, their teeth were crooked and smelt worse than the average street rats.
" Ah, has my reputation diminished so much that Ive become a nobody. "
I walked up to them, needing to hold in my lunch just at the action. Eyeing their tattered clothes and a tattoo that was becoming common in the gang before I left, I could guess who's owned these rats.. " Do you know stinky pete?"
" Do you mean Mr Gulino?"
I burst out laughing at the formality. " Did that fucker go for a rebranding. Mr Gulino. This guy makes me laugh. Sure, that guy. Take me to Mr Gulino."
I could see them contemplating on whether or not to listen to me or just rob me so I took it upon myself to help them decide by showing off the pistol on my waist. " I don't ask twice here kiddos. Take me to Pete."
That proved to be the right motivation as they nearly ran back to their base. It was an actual functioning building. An upgrade from the abandoned storage unit we used to use. Entering the dinghy building, I was told to wait in the lobby while they went to get Pete.
It only took a minute before a kid a few years older than me wearing a cheap suit walked out, his crooked yellow teeth on full display when he saw me. I really forgot how fucked up most of the guy's teeth were before I left. Like, worse than even other gangs." Stinky Pete."
" Money grubbing Kingston."
We embraced in a manly hug, back pats and all before he took me to his office. " I thought you, Andre and your little possie were slaves last time I checked."
" Remember what I told you."
His eyes widened before his grin came back in full force. He poured us what looked like some decent whiskey sliding a glass to me. " I can't believe it. When you told me you could take it, I thought you lost your mind but I should have known not to bet against you. Damn, I need to pay Larry now."
We both paused to sip what was actually shitty whiskey in disguise." I see you're doing well too. Seems those small time gigs became something."
Pete nodded, looking around in pride. " It ain't much but it's my piece of heaven. A heaven those Ancini and Rogochi shits are trying to fuck over but thats a conversation for another day.
I nodded, impressed at the street rats' resilience. " Actually, this is the perfect time because I have a proposition. "
Pete raised an eyebrow, intrigued and prompted me to continue. " You still don't provide protection right?"
He nodded and I smiled. " Well, I'm sure you understand that my little coup has plunged my company's reputation so we're looking for work. Work you can provide." I downed the whiskey in one go, feeling the burn run down my throat. Shitty drink. " If you were to cause a bit of chaos in a few downtown commercial centres. Enough for the locals to begin thinking on hiring protection, in sure a company ready to offer that could appear."
Pete gave me a serious look, downing his own glass before speaking. " What about the police?"
We stared at each other for what felt like forever before we burst out laughing. " Like those bastards would give a shit. Even before the whole independence protests issue."
" Of course, of course. Continue."
" So, I want you to cause some chaos. Vandalism, petty robberies and the occasional assault on business owners and customers so I can offer my services at a slightly cheaper rate. If they hire any other company, I'm sure with us working together, we could ensure the job would be too costly to continue."
I paused, allowing him to digest my words before continuing. "In return, we'll help you take care off the Ancini and Rogochi. With a paramilitary group, even if we're child soldiers, I can assure you that there's no way a bunch of bottom feeders like those street gangs can match up with military grade gear."
Pete thought on it for a moment, a smile beginning to form. " I like the way you think. " A ringed finger tapped on the glass for a few seconds before he nodded. " I don't see any problems. I can agree to this. "
There wasn't much more to discuss after that. Just small talk about how me and the guys I brought with me to Tekkaden were and I asked the same thing about the gang. I finally gave him my number before taking my leave. My operations back at base were being handled by the reliable shrimp, Cody so I could trust that things would be fine even when I left.
There was one more thing though and that involved selling the goods I took from Maruba. After splitting the stuff, 65-35 of course, I had my stuff stashed till today. Heading to a jeweller made me aware of how big a spender Maruba was as the stuff he had was the real shit.
Real gold, real rubies and emeralds and three small diamonds. No wonder he spent time packing it all up even when we were being attacked. I of course kept some of the jewellery like the sick ass watch and some rings he had. Maruba had some good taste, I must say.
I got a few looks from the guys in the store but they didn't comment on where I got the jewellery since this place dealt with alot of shady dealings. There's a reason no one even tried robbing this place despite it being in a rough neighborhood. They even bought it at a decent price. The money went straight to my account.
It hadn't been used in a while. Not since I joined CGS so this was a nice boost to my personal funds. I could probably buy a nice plot of land and live quietly and comfortably till my thirties with how much I had. So if I ever needed to jump ship, I could without to much worry.
No one said being a bookie and accountant for gangs didn't pay well. If I didn't realise where I was, I would probably still be working there.
With that, I was ready to leave Mars. The day we would be leaving arrived slower than I'd like but it things needed to be handled. We couldn't just Hun it and hope nothing bad happed to our assets on mars. Reinforcing the base just in case of another attack, finalisation of transfers and documentation of the happenings of the newly formed Tekkaden such as the creation of employment contracts, compensation for those who want to leave and copyrighting the company just to name a few.
I was the lead in handling all that and more. Seeing how confused and clueless Orga and the rest were, I seriously wondered if they had done half the things I was doing. At least Biscuit and Dexter were of immense help.
When all that was done and the day arrived, I was driven to the docking port where the ship was kept and it took alot of me to not gauck. I had never seen a spaceship this up close and personal. It really hit home how in the future I was. Hell, it hit home how I wasn't even in my own world, no universe.
The ship was already raring to go. With how efficient these guys were, you'd forget they were still minors.
" Holy shit." Andre gasped beside, earning a few grins as we entered the bohomoth
He turned to me, stars in his eyes. " We're about to go to space. Do you understand how fucking crazy that is?"
I simply nodded, my eyes wondering to every beeping, blinking eye catching thing we passed till we entered the command center where I took the captain's seat. " Oh yeah. I could get used to this."
" Boss, we're ready to go and we've received the greenlight." a kid at one of the monitors announced.
" Alrighty. You have the go ahead from me."
I watched as we slowly rose, as we shot into the sky, as the bright blue sky got darker till it was an all encompassing black void. Taking a look at the red planet I had called home for years was an unforgettable sight,
Pictures just couldn't compare and in that moment, I felt every bit the youngling I was as I stared at the planet then starry space. As much as I wish we could just continue gazing at this wonderful view, I was pretty sure Orga and the rest would be heading into some deep shit if things stayed the same as cannon.
Though it could have changed since I asked that we left later than what was likely the original time they left in cannon so I could finish my crap.
" I want us to get to the meeting location asap."
I turned to Andre who was still enjoying the view. " Andre. I need you to suit up. We're going to be flying into a battlefield and we need you ready and operational."
The man gave me a nod, eyes shining as this would be the time he could finally fulfill one of his wishes. Battle mechs in space. Watching him fly off, a part of me wondered if he even knew where to go but…eh, he'll find his way. It only took ten minutes to arrive and it seemed nothing in cannon had changed yet.
Well, it made sense I guess. Same task, different timing. " Release the mobile suit and get our asses to Orga."
I got a round of yes sirs and we were off. We manoeuvred our way to the small ship Orga and the rest were on. However, unlike the show, I made sure we came in opposite to the Gjallarhorn and Orcus ship, even if it did take more time. I did bring them reinforcements so they shouldn't die right?
Any worries I had were for not as they did in fact survive. So when they boarded, we didn't need to do all that risky asteroid jazz and just book it.
"Glad to see you're all alive. I'm guessing this was a setup," I stated aloud, more as a fact than a question as soon as I heard the door open behind me.
"No shit," Orga muttered, his voice edged with frustration as he stopped next to the captain seat. " Todo did us in. He's currently in the cells at the moment."
Oh yeah, you done fucked up now Orga, you just dont know by how much yet. I only sent a glance his way but decided not to comment on it yet.
Orga exhaled through his nose. "Thanks for sending Andre. Saved out butts out there."
I just nodded.
Biscuit, Eugene, Kudelia and her maid finally made their way into the command room, their expressions a mix of relief and frustration.
"That bastard Todo," Eugene spat. "Soon as this shit is over, I swear I'll—"
"We'll deal with him later," Orga cut him off, his tone firm. His gaze went back to me. "Alright, what's the play? Since you're already sitting in my chair, I'm guessing you've got a plan."
I don't remember this being his chair only but whatever.
" Indeed, and its quite simple. We fuck off. I made sure we came in opposite to the Orcus and Gjallarhorn ship as soon as I saw the Gjallarhorn one. " I began, resting my head in on my palm. " I want you to send orders to the mobile suits to retreat along, flying near our trajectory. They can jump on while we pass them. Make sure our guns are prepped and ready for when we pass by that Orcus ship. Aim for their thrusters."
I didn't have to tell him to do it but it was a petty power play.
"Tch… fine." Orga ran a hand through his hair before turning to the crew. "You heard him! Send out the orders to retreat. Make sure those two out there know our exact trajectory—we're not leaving anyone behind. And get those guns prepped!"
The crew scrambled into action, voices calling out confirmations as they relayed the orders. The command room buzzed with tension, but at least now they had a direction.
There wasn't much fanfare. Things went smoothly. Mikazuki and Andre managed to catch onto the ship as it flew by and we even managed to destroy one of Orcus thrusters on our way out.
Seeing that we were safe, everyone let out cries of victory but I was about to shit on their parade. I stood up and stepped up toward Orga, an angered look on. "I hope you're happy with your pacifistic ways because it nearly got us killed. You said you could handle those cowards and rejects, but clearly, you can't. And because of that, that bastard Todo nearly got us all."
Orga clenched his teeth but said nothing, taking the tongue lashing like he should. The room was quiet, everyone just staring at the display. One of their leaders and most respected figures getting told off. What's more, they all heard what I said and by the fact that Orga took it without a word meant I was right by default.
Taking out my pistol, I turned for the door.
"I'm going to finish what I should have from the very beginning. Don't stop me."
The door slid open, and I stepped through, leaving silence in my wake.
Halfway to the cells, I heard a few voices calling for me. " Sir!"
Turning, I saw a few of the boys from the commanding room running toward me. " Sir, we agree with you. Todo had been an ass to us when we were still CGS slaves. Even after all he did…"
The lead boy clenched his fist from the anger he was holding back and the other two looked no better. An idea came to mind at the sight. Wrapping an arm around the boy's shoulder, I led them to the cells.
Opening the cell door, I pointed in. " You hate him right? Well, have fun. I'm sure if he died with a few less teeth, no one would care."
They stared at me for a few seconds before staring in disbelief. " R-Really?"
" Yeah, why not. " I walked inside to the unconscious man and gave him a good slap, waking him up. I punched him in his fat gut before gesturing for them to get in on it. After the first few hits, their hesitation melted away in an instant. You would think they were pros.
Was I being a good role model? Probably not, but who gives a fuck. I ain't anyone's dad. I was just dude offering his comrades an outlet for their anger.
Waiting by the door, I wasn't surprised to see Orga approaching."This isn't up for discussion,"
I made sure he understood how serious I was with just a look. "I'm killing him. We've tried your way, now we're trying mine."
"And then what?"
I raised an eyebrow, but Orga pressed on
"You kill him, we feel better for a while, and then what? You think that fixes everything?"
Yeah, nahhhh. I made up my mind already. So, I just kept my silence. A silence that Orga understood quickly so he seemed to have changed strats.
" You want to prove something? Then don't just react like pissed-off kids looking for revenge. We use this."
Didn't we try this before. It probably would change my mind but I was slightly intrigued. "Use him?"
Orga nodded. "Todo isn't the only one who would sell us out. He's just the one who got caught. But if we kill him now, we don't learn anything. We don't send a message to the next rat waiting to jump ship."
He took another step forward, lowering his voice. "Let's make an example out of him—publicly. Let people see what happens when you betray us. Drag him through the mud, let him beg, let everyone know what happens when you cross Tekkadan."
I wonder if Orga always thought like this. Unlikely. In cannon, they simply sent Todo off with a slap on the wrist. So it was likely my own handiwork. However, one word caught my attention.
Example.
Yeah, now I have a really good idea."I got one better. "
I went in, picked Todo up and walked him out and to the cafeteria. Walking in, I was more than happy to see Andre in the middle of stuffing his face " Andre, call everyone over the age of fourteen."
He looked annoyed but seeing the entourage I had with me, he nodded, getting up and doing as I told Soon enough, everyone over the age of fourteen besides Kudelia and her maid were in the cafeteria.
Getting their attention, I cleared my throat and took a deep breath in.
" Friends, no brothers. I'm ecstatic that we managed to survive against all odds once again...but this fight was an unnecessary one. Due to certain elements in our leadership."
I made sure to make eye contact with Orga at that moment, the boy narrowing his eyes at me. " Todo, despite treating many of us like shit in our CGS day and despite running off and leaving us to die back on Mars, we allowed him to live. "
Don't forget to make eye contact with everyone to make sure you're driving the point. " But because of this mercy, this man had orchestrated our demise behind our backs, spitting on the unnecessary kindness we gave him and planned this ambush. If it weren't because of our quick wit and resilience, he would have succeeded. Despite all this one more, he is being shown mercy."
I kicked the subject of discussion onto his knees before I hopped onto a table. " I could not stand for it. You all are family to me and the thought that such a threat was being given mercy again was unacceptable...but my word was not enough to sway certain minds thus, I want all of you to decide."
The silence was deafening. Everyone seemed to be waiting for someone to crack the silence…and someone did.
" Kill him!"
The crowd gave way to the boy who had been beating the shit out of Todo moments earlier. "He had beaten us, left us to die, then after it all, we gave him a chance and he still decided to betray us. I say we kill him!"
Murmurs went around and I could hear more and more people agreeing with the statement. "Kill him!"
The boy started to chant and the longer he went on, the more people joined. Soon enough, most of the room was chanting it. I raised a hand and the room went silent. "What's done is done. You've all made your choice."
My voice was final, sharp as steel. "And now, Todo... you will pay for your betrayal."
I jumped down and raised my gun to press it to the back of Todo's head. "Any objections?"
Quiet. Not a single person spoke up. Not even Orga spoke up. " Then with the power vested in myself, Todo, you have been sentenced to death."
The old man was crying his eyes out, trying to yell through the gag in his mouth but I did not care. He tried to kill us. This was justice.
The shot rang out.
Todo's body crumpled to the floor, the once-beaten traitor now just a corpse on the floor.
I lowered the gun, a smirk on my face as I looked back at the cheering crowd, victorious. "Let this be a lesson to all of us. Tekkadan is stronger than ever, and we will not be weak again. We will not show mercy to those who would see us fall."
The cheers grew in intensity and I even felt the energy of it all flow through me. I stepped back up onto the table, looking over the faces of everyone. Seeing the joy the death of one man brought to many.
"For as long as I am in charge, I shall not pussy out. I shall not provide mercy for those that do not deserve it! For as long as I am in charge, I shall ensure another mishap like this is avoided!"
I turned to look at Orga directly in the eyes. "For as long as I am in charge, I shall be what others in power can't. Not for me, but for Tekkaden!" I finished off my speech by raising a fist into the air.
The room erupted into a chorus of voices, fists raising in response to my declaration. The atmosphere was electric. "For Tekkadan!" A roar echoed through the cafeteria and likely the whole ship.
I stepped off the table and walked toward the door, stopping next to Orga. "I told you," I murmured, "Mercy is for those that can give it and we cannot. This is how you build something that lasts when you start from the bottom. No more chances. No more games. You can either lead with me, or be left behind."
I couldn't tell what Orga was thinking. His face was unreadable but his next words brought a smile to my face.
"For Tekkadan,"
That wasn't confirmation that he was suddenly on my side. Likely the opposite of his tone told me anything but it did tell me one thing. He understood that his word was no longer law. No longer the sole decider of our future. It was now Tekkaden as a whole.
That meant one thing. Whoever held the hearts and minds of the people would be the true leader of Tekkaden and that was no longer just him.
Patting him on the back, I walked out. " What a good day."