Mercenary
Emperor Vitor Braga, leader of the Phaemomar government in exile, sat behind an ornate desk in a humble compound. His Chief of Staff and Head of Security flanked him.
General Martin Mac Cathail, Hero of the Boiling Fields, dressed in a sharply cut business suit, placed a holographic display puck on the desk and touched its power switch. “Your eminence, I have prepared three options for you.”
The emperor and his staff looked on with rapt attention.
“The first is what I call our ‘Deluxe,’ we execute an invasion to put you and your government back in power. This plan includes the use of professional soldiers, security agents, and support teams. We will minimize collateral damage and will protect all critical infrastructure and wealth. The price is at the bottom.”
The color left the Emperor’s face as he looked at the number.
“The second plan is our most popular.” Martin beamed. “We invade and put you back on your throne. However, we use your subjects and lead them with an elite cadre of advisors. We will do our best to limit collateral damage and use a military policy force to reduce looting. Again, the price is at the bottom.”
The Emperor taped the table impatiently, some color returning to his face.
“The last plan is our best value. We use convicts, pirates and any unpaid volunteers with our elite cadre to lead them. The motivation for the men is they get 24 hours to loot, rape and pillage, before being shipped off planet. We take over with a security force and put you back on your throne.” Martin pointed to the price. “You can see the value of this plan is its pricing.”
The Emperor smiled, his staff blanched.
“Prices are non-negotiable. We accept Interplanetary Credits, 50% up front, balance due when you arrive on the planet to resume your reign.”
“For a military man, I didn’t expect you to have such an acumen for commerce,” The Emperor said.
“Business is piracy by other means.” Martin said.
