What if Handsome Jack was an ally, instead of a foe?

. . .

They had all rendezvoused at the train station, ready to board. The four Vault Hunters lulled about, making small talk and familiarising themselves with each other. As the train slowly skidded to a stop, they stopped and turned to board. Axton, the bold Commando, went first. Following him were Maya, the graceful Siren, Salvador, the short but loud Gunzerker, and Zer0, the mysterious Assassin.

"Hmm," Axton said, when they all got on. "Seems like what we're here for." The four were on the train because of a man named Jack, who had hired them. As they looked around, they saw Hyperion Loaders and personnel lounging about. One of the men, seeing them, perked up and walked over.

"You Vault Hunters?" he asked, and when they nodded, he smiled. "Perfect! Jack's been looking for you. He's located thataway."

He pointed toward the door leading to the train car left of them.

As they gathered around the door, they looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Axton, after a while, groaned and took leadership. He opened the door.

They crowded into the room and were confronted by the back of a chair. The chair slowly turned around, revealing a handsome figure. He stood up. His face was smooth, with a chiseled nose and strong jaw. He spread his hands in welcome.

"Heya, kiddos. You the Vault Hunters I hired?" he asked.

"Axton, at your service," Axton said,with a casual salute.

"I'm Maya," Maya said, tilting her head.

"Hola, Jack!" Salvador said. "Salvador's the name!"

Jack cringed a bit at the volume.

Zer0, standing off to the side, said nothing. As Jack turned his attention to him, Zer0 displayed the "zero" emoticon on his mask.

"Uhmm..." Jack began. He turned to the other Vault Hunters. "Doesn't say much, does he?"

Axton frowned. "Not much, but he's a pretty good guy. His name is Zer0."

Jack turned to Zer0, then back to Axton, the looked at Zer0 again.

"Alright, ehm, that's cool. I guess," Jack said. There was no doubt that the assassin made him feel uncomfortable.

Suddenly, Zer0 stiffened.

"I see something there/A bright light in the distance/Quickly! Turn around!" Zer0 called. Jack and the others turned in a panic.

None of them saw the explosion coming.