Tab's Titans - Christmas on Carver V

Titan Base, Harlech Spaceport

Harlech, Outreach

Chaos March PDZ

1345 Hours, 14 Oct 3066

"Enter," said Major Tan from behind his desk. He looked up from the paperwork cluttering his desk to find David Dunbavand, his agent, opening the door for two distinguished-looking men, before following in himself. Shuffling his papers together, Diondi rose to greet his guests. "Major Tan of Tan's Titans. What can I do for you gentlemen?"

"Major Tan, this here is Peter Phila, and his partner James N. Thropist. They were the people I was referring to when I said I had a contract for you," explained Dunbavand. "Mr. Phila would like to discuss the terms of the contract before making a decision."

"By all means, Mr. Phila, Mr. Thropist, please have a seat," said Major Tan, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk. David took a seat on the sofa to the side of them, watching the proceedings. "If you would like to brief me on what exactly this contract entails, it would be greatly appreciated. My agent has been decidedly close-mouthed with me about this particular subject, and it vexes me to no end. "

"Very well, Major Tan," chuckled Phila, before continuing. "James and I are the owners of a very successful chain of fast-food franchises, Bear's Burgers. However, we both came from a less-fortunate background, and we remember what it was like to be unable to eat for the majority of a week. As such, we have established a charity organization to assist those who are in a truly unfortunate situation to the best of our ability. We've been relatively successful on-planet, with the funds being channeled towards the families that really need it.

"The first major off-planet venture that we have planned is quite ambitious, however, and we feel that it needs a modicum of caution and protection. Two thousand tons of relief supplies and other goods would present a very tempting target to the bandits, raiders, and what-have-you's operating in the area that we are contemplating on going to."

"If I may ask, where is this convoy headed?" said Major Tan, his curiousity piqued.

"Carver V. We feel truly sad for the families whose lives are being disrupted by the civil war. Now that it is winding down, we feel that it is relatively safe to head there," said Thropist. "We can supply our own DropShips and transport vehicles, but we do not have combat units or experienced troops."

"We're offering rates that are pretty good by market standards, and full salvage rights," stated Phila.

Major Tan mulled it over in his mind, but he knew that it was hopeless. He knew that he was a sucker for a good charity mission.

"Gentlemen, the Titans will be pleased to provide you with an escort for your convoy."

-----

The pool table in the Titans' recreation hall saw a great deal of use daily, often with money exchanging hands. Right now, it was only Diondi and Bryce that was there; the rest of the personnel had gone into town, taking their first night out since they had returned from Batavia a week ago. Bryce was lining up his shot on the 10-ball when Diondi spoke.

"Imperator wants to sponsor us," he said bluntly, startling Bryce and screwing up his shot.

"What?" exclaimed Bryce. "You made me scratch!"

"I said, Imperator Weapons wants to sponsor us," repeated Diondi patiently.

"Like Diverse Optics did with Morimoto's Immortals?" asked Bryce skeptically.

"Just like that," confirmed Diondi. "They provide us with weapons, ammo, money, and we do commercials and PR events for them."

"Seems to be a good deal," said Bryce, lining up his shot on the 10-ball again. "The new tanks and our proliferation of cannons tends to chew through ammo and weapons pretty quickly."

"I'm just wondering whether it's still a bad thing to do though," said Diondi. "You remember the furor that the Diverse Optics deal raised when it was announced?"

"Hell yes," snorted Bryce. "It got the backs of every other mercenary unit that is less-than-honest up. And the universal cry of 'Why didn't I think of that?' from all the other honest unit."

"so, do you think the rest of the battalion'll go along?" asked Diondi in an unsure manner.

"They'd better."

/End Prologue.