By: Kyle Scully AKA Dr. Tentacles

Archcorp orbit

"We have arrived at Archcorp, Captain"

"Head to these coordinates, this is the pick up point. Cold will be there waiting for us to land"

"Aye Aye, ma'am. Descending to the planet surface"

The Bentenmaru pitches forward toward the surface, reentry flames surrounding us. The city planet of Archcorp fills the scene, it's sprawling skyscrapers filling the metal surface.

"Landing zone in sight, contacting tower for landing clearance", Drummer reports.

Comms chatter filled the bridge as drummer went through landing procedures. Our landing gear lowers as we approach the pad. We slowly descend, a clang of the landing gears is heard as we touchdown.

"We have touchdown, spooling down engines", Drummer reports as he begins to turn off the engines.

"Excellent landing Drummer, standby for cargo transfer"

"Attention hanger deck, standby to receive escort fighter"

I look outside the bridge window, I can see a Gladius being fixed to a crane.

"Damn, haven't flown those in a while. To think Cold choose to get that one, guess it's going to be like our days in the Navy, right Captain?", Lana said.

"Only this time we don't have an overbearing Admiral down our throats, haha", I laughed.

"Yeah we will just have an overbearing Captain, that's all", Lana joked. We both laughed. "I'll take care of our Gladius, you should meet with Cold"

"Agreed, I'll meet you at the hanger once I get Cold on board", We part ways, I head down to the cargo ramp to meet with Cold.

"Yo! Ryoko! Over here!", I look to the source and see Cold waving his hands.

"About time you got here! Been waiting for hours"

"Hey, you try buying a Polaris. Those damn reps always try to sale you a bunch of unneeded shit haha! Good to see you Cold!", we shake hands and hug.

"I can't believe you actually went through with this. When I first heard you bought a Polaris, I thought you were just shitting me", he looks at the Bentenmaru.

"I shit you not my friend, we are going to be the best damn PMC in the empire and it starts with the Bentenmaru"

"It's a pleasure to fly with you again, Ryoko. Just like old times, right?"

I smile, "Yeah, like old times. Let's get you situated on board, this ship is going to blow your mind". We head to the ramp, where a some vehicles and a tank were being loaded.

"Lana really got a tank, she is going all out for this isn't she"

"Says the person who got a Polaris", Cold retorted.

"Touché", I laugh.

We head up the ramp, Lana inspecting our new cargo.

"Looks like everything is good to go, Captain. We are ready to go when you are"

"Good work, secure all vehicles for transport. We leave as soon as they are secured".

"Aye Aye, Captain", Lana directs the crew to secure everything down.

"Cold, you are with me. I'll show you the bridge", I lead him down the front corridor to the bridge.

"Oh my god, this thing is badass! I can get used to this ship real quick"

"Good, cause this is going to be our home for awhile. Your bunk is closest to the hanger, need you to be prepared for anything".

"Aye, Aye Captain"

"Dismissed, I'm sure you have some catching up to do with the crew". We salute, Cold walks out of the bridge.

I sit down at the Captain's chair and take a breath. "It's finally coming together…."

"That it is, but we aren't done. Having a ship is fine, it's what you do with it that counts, Captain. It's a dangerous place out there, people need our help"

"It's why I founded this company, Drummer. I plan on using this ship to its full potential. I believe in our crew"

"As do I, Captain", a voice came from behind. Lana leans on a console. "I wouldn't of agreed to this if I didn't believe in Ryoko".

"Thanks Lana", I smile.

"Captain, the Gladius and cargo are secured. The ship is fueled, we are ready to launch at anytime", a crewman informed on the bridge intercom.

"Excellent work, prepare the ship for departure. We will be taking off momentarily", I said back.

"Aye, ma'am", the intercom buzzed.

"Well you heard the man, let's get going. Prepare the Bentenmaru for departure"

"Yes ma'am!", the bridge shouted. Everyone sits down and starts launch procedures.

"Set course for Terra, our first contract will be with a small cargo org. They need an escort through pirate space, so expect hostiles to be there"