Hey everybody,

I know it's been awhile since my last chapter but this one ran a bit long. That and I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I was having a little trouble cranking it out. I'm pretty happy with the end result though so by all means read, review, and enjoy.

-James

Chapter 5: A Fine Offer

Richard Carde had a sweating problem.

His friends all said the same thing, and to be fair he agreed with them. He sweated. A lot. It was always easy to tell when he was nervous because the fat little man would begin gushing rivers of sweat down the length of his pudgy body (though his wife would say he didn't have much length to gush down… bitch). It was a wonder he'd come to manage one of the largest shipping lines in the sector. He'd long since given up playing poker. He couldn't bluff to save his life. Everything made him sweat.

When his wife would yell at him, he'd sweat. When he bet on the vulture bike races, he'd sweat. When he was in the middle of a major business deal, he'd sweat. When he'd had that special talk with his oldest son a few months ago, he had sweat. When he used the elaborate gymnasium he had built into his large estate on Valhalla, he'd sweat. Well, in all honesty he didn't use it that often. But when he thought about using it, he'd sweat.

Richard was not an imposing man. Barely reaching five foot six and a solid two hundred and thirty pounds, not an ounce of which was muscle, he was definitely the result of a life of luxury. Richard was not, however, a fool. Nor was he a coward. Nervous yes but not a coward.

When several of his pilot's had come to him two months ago with reports of huge street toughs approaching them at various ports throughout the core systems demanding "landing tariffs" he'd immediately spearheaded a private investigation. In short order, he'd discovered that these brutes worked for a large and complex crime syndicate based somewhere in the core. More disturbing however, he'd found evidence that this group had paid large sums of money to high-level dominion officials to overlook their clandestine activities. The irony that Richard had used bribery to discover this information himself was not lost on him.

Being the patriotic man he was Carde had been outraged. At the same time however he was never quite able to determine how high up the corruption went and he was a cautious man. Realizing he needed help, and some government protection wouldn't hurt, he'd approached the well-respected Valhallan magistrate Lars Morgandson for help. Similarly outraged by the merchant's discoveries Morgandson had convinced Carde that it was their civic responsibility to bring his evidence "straight to the top." Which is where they were now.

The magistrate and merchant stood in a huge room in the imperial palace on Korhal IV. The throne room no less. From the huge reinforced double doors, actual wood Carde had noted as they'd entered, ran a brilliant red carpet with golden embroidery running along the edges. The carpet ran all the way through the large gallery, which was designed to be filled by dignitaries or journalists from all around the Dominion, to a large dais at the far end. Huge columns ran along both sides of the rectangular room. Here and there along the walls was elaborate stonework depicting great wolves, the symbol of the Mengsk Dynasty.

Close to the throne room's entrance stood two large statues depicting two tall, bearded men, dressed in elaborate finery. One of them was taller, though not as muscular, but he had the same regal bearing and piercing look as the other. At the bottom of this statue was a plaque bearing the man's name, Angus Mengsk. Below the name was a dedication honoring the man for his visionary role in beginning the revolution on Korhal IV that would eventually send his son to topple the Confederacy of Man and found the Terran Dominion, the most powerful Terran faction Koprulu had ever seen. All of this had been at the cost of Angus', along with his wife and daughter's, lives at the hands of a Confederate death squad.

The other statue held the likeness of Angus' son, and the reigning Dominion Emperor, Arcturus Mengsk. The statue showed Arcturus gazing sternly but lovingly toward that of his father, a gaze that Arcturus had never directed at his father in life. But appearances had to be maintained and few knew the Emperor well enough to have any knowledge of his relationship with his deceased sire anyway.

The two men stood on the red carpet about ten feet from the dais. Morgandson looked tall and proud in his magistrate's robes and Carde was in his best business suit. All around them was an honor guard of Dominion marines that stood at rest between each column and all along the wall behind the dais. Each marine was fully armored in a spotless red and grey combat suit with the arm and whip dominion crest on one shoulder and the likeness of a fierce wolf on the other. Each of their gauss rifles was engraved with elaborate designs along their stocks and a snarling wolf's head around the muzzle. Their visors were all down and they stood, silent and motionless, casting eerie shadows across the red carpet as the morning sun came in through the chambers huge stained-glass windows. Carde glanced at them nervously every so often, though for the most part his attention was held by the figure sitting in the great throne atop the dais.

Arcturus Mengsk was not a small man. His shoulders were broad and muscular even in his forties. He wore a dark brown and gold greatcoat with dark epaulettes across the shoulders and secured across his chest with an elaborate golden wolf's head clasp. Beneath the coat he wore a dark brown Dominion military dress uniform with gold buttons along the chest and an elaborate gold buckle around his waist. His dark brown pants came down to just below his knees where they were stuffed into a pair of sleek black boots. His face was stern and the lines of age showed at his forehead and corners of his eyes. He wore his greying black hair down to his ears with a thick greying beard. All in all, the Emperor cut an imposing figure as he stared down, intensely taking in the merchant and the talking magistrate.

Richard Carde was sweating.

When the man says the top he means the top!

"… the evidence is irrefutable Emperor," Magistrate Morgandson was presenting their discoveries to the Dominion's leader. "This corruption goes high. Perhaps even to some of your officials here in the capital! When Mr. Carde came to me with this information I knew that few could be trusted. The only way to be sure that this treachery wasn't swept under the rug was to bring it directly to you."

Mengsk nodded earnestly.

"Indeed Magistrate. These revelations are both shocking and infuriating. Rest assured I will personally see that these traitors are brought to light and punished to the full extent of Dominion law."

Arcturus' voice was deep with a hint of a drawl. He spoke the words slowly, seemingly imparting a sense of righteous wrath with each syllable. He rose from the throne, his honor guard snapping to attention as he did so, and stepped down in front of the two men. The throne itself was a giant chair that's back rose five feet above the Emperor's head when he was seated. The Dominion's crest was engraved in gold on the high back and two golden wolf heads made the armrests. Moving to stand in front of Morgandson and Carde he shook their hands firmly, giving each man a look that spoke of respect and camaraderie.

"Gentlemen the Dominion owes you both a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid. Were it not for your bravery and diligence these vultures might have continued to prey on the weak and helpless and I would have never known." As he finished shaking Carde's hand he stepped back and gave them both a grateful nod before continuing.

"Thanks to your efforts justice will be done and the people of the Dominion will be safer for it."

Recognizing his tone for a dismissal Magistrate Morgandson gave a short bow with a murmured, "Thank you Emperor," and Carde quickly followed suit. Both men turned and walked from the throne room, the great doors held open for them by two of the armored marines. Arcturus watched them go, the friendly glint in his eyes replaced by a calculating one as the wooden doors shut behind them.

"Mr. Bertrand," he said. His eyes never leaving the door.

A man stepped out from the shadows between two of the marine honor guard. He was of average height and thin. He was dressed in a simple, though well made, suit and was altogether unremarkable save for a great hook nose. Holding his hands clasped behind his back he returned the Emperor's gaze with a face that was kept carefully clear of emotion. When he spoke his voice was a thin deadpan though his accent marked him as a man of high society.

"Yes Emperor."

Mengsk turned slowly to face him, moving his hands to clasp behind his back in similar fashion.

"I'll be retiring to my private study. Join me."

Bertrand nodded. "Of course Emperor."

Mengsk stepped back onto the dais and moved toward the back wall where one of the red armored marines had already reached behind a Dominion flag, pressing a button that was hidden there. A section of the wall slid aside revealing a doorway that lead out into one of the palace's many corridors. Bertrand followed, a few measured steps behind Mengsk, along with two of the honor guard who took up positions behind and to either side of the Emperor as he moved confidently down the hallway.

They passed palace staff as they busied about the place on one errand or another. Here and there was a cleaning-bot busily working at keeping the imperial palace as spotless as possible. The hallways, like the throne room, were richly decorated with fine paintings, stonework, and carpeting. Every fifty feet or so stood a pair of the red and grey armored marines of Mengsk's honor guard that snapped to attention as he passed. To a man they'd been resocialized, their minds wiped of all personal drive save for two prerogatives.

Obey and protect the Emperor.

After a moment they arrived at an elaborate wooden door guarded by a man and a woman in tight body suits. The suits were covered by smaller armor pieces and an assortment of harnesses holding various weapons of mayhem and destructions. Their faces were covered by grim looking masks who's eyes glowed the same bright blue as the lights that ran up the sides of the bodysuits every few seconds. The ghosts held their rifles at the ready across their chests and their heads constantly swiveled as they kept watch on the hallway outside the Emperor's study.

Seeing the Emperor coming the two ghosts snapped to attention and one opened the study door. Without pausing Mengsk moved through the door into his study with Bertrand close behind. Their two marine escorts took up positions in the corridor opposite the ghosts.

The study itself was large but not enormous and built with six sides. The walls were stained wood and the floor was covered in a dark red carpet with simple golden embroidery. Up and down the walls leading away from the door were an array of bookshelves and display cases, the latter holding antique weapons from across the sector. Against one wall was a crackling fireplace and on the mantle overhead rested an elegant looking longsword. The sharp looking blade ran into an elaborate golden crossguard in the shape of two outward looking wolves. Atop the pommel was a golden sphere with a large "M" engraved into its surface.

Across the room from the fireplace was a large wooden cabinet stocked with exotic wines and liquors from all over the sector. On entering the study Mengsk immediately made his way to this cabinet, running his gloved hand fondly over the elaborate woodwork. Pulling a fine crystal goblet from one side of the cabinet he pulled a bottle of fine port from the other. Pouring himself a glass he returned the items to the cabinet before moving to a large leather chair behind a large wooden desk in front of a large glass window that looked out over the large urban landscape of downtown Augustrad. Collapsing into the chair he swirled the wine around beneath his nose before taking a small sip and turning to gaze out the window at the cityscape. All the while Bertrand stood in front of his desk, silently waiting. Finally the Emperor turned and gave his aide a hard stare.

"Will you please explain to me why that idiot magistrate didn't squelch that business the second the sweaty little insect walked in his door?"

Bertrand replied in his usual deadpan.

"Sir I believe that Magistrate Morgandson was actually elected into office without your… intervention. As I recall the Valhallans were so adamant about his appointment that there was no way for us to realistically rig the election without it being obvious to the local…"

Mengsk nodded and waved the rest of his aide's words aside. "Yes yes now I remember." He chuckled ruefully but when he looked back at Bertrand his eyes were steel. "This is what happens when I give them a little independence. Some damn naïve idealist gets into a position of power and the next thing you know he thinks he can actually change something." Taking another sip of his drink Arcturus made a decision as he stared into the depths of the dark red liquid.

"See that the fool falls victim to… unfortunate events. Find some criminal he's put away and pin it on him. Make sure the press hears about it too. They can do a good sob piece about it. Something that emphasizes the man's loyalty and service to the Throne."

Bertrand nodded.

"Of course sir. Shall I arrange a similar series of events for the shipping line owner?"

Mengsk laughed ruefully but shook his head.

"How that greasy little wretch had the brains to put all that together I'll never know… No don't kill him. But I want him discredited. Frame him for something. Something ugly. When it's over I want his own mother to think he's a compulsive liar and a cretin before he gets thrown into New Folsom for the rest of his life."

Bertrand nodded again. Then he allowed a small expression of concern to cross his features before he spoke again.

"And what of the officials responsible for collecting our… tariffs from the syndicate? It would seem that some of them have been… less than diligent in regards to keeping our ties with the crime groups a secret."

This time Mengsk nodded before replying. "True enough Bertrand. Find out which idiot is responsible for the leak and replace him, messily. If word of this had been made public it could have been a disaster."

"I wonder if it would be wise sir…" the aide interjected, " … if we severed ties with the criminal elements for a time. To ensure that no connection is found."

Mengsk considered for a moment before shaking his head, his gaze not leaving the ruby depths of his drink.

"No Bertrand. I'll not sacrifice our relations with the criminal underground. Without those ties we'd have no idea what they were up too." He spared a glance for the hook nosed man standing in front of his desk. "There will always be crime Bertrand. Better to keep the criminals close where we can keep an eye on them. Surprises can be dangerous."

Bertrand nodded, his face once again expressionless.

"Of course…"

A soft knock at the door of the study drew both of their attention. The guards had strict orders not to let anyone interrupt the Emperor and his aide except for a very select list of issues.

Bertrand moved swiftly to the door. Cracking it open and exchanging whispered words with someone in the hall. After a moment he shut the door and moved back in front of the desk, unable to hide the hint of nervousness in his expression. Arcturus spotted it immediately and as Bertrand approached he set his glass down on the desk and watched his aide warily.

"What is it?"

The thin man cleared his throat before replying.

"Sir the weapons research station on Braxis has been raided."

Mengsks eyes narrowed and his fists clenched, but when he replied his tone was measured and carried only a hint of his anger.

"By whome…"

"Raynor's Raiders sir."

With a roar Arcturus Mengsk rose from his desk and hurled his glass of wine into the fireplace. The glass shattered as it hit the stone foundation and the alcohol made the flames flare up briefly. Bernard winced as the expensive crystal shattered into a hundred pieces but otherwise watched the Emperor's rant calmly.

"That ungrateful, treacherous bastard! For over two damn years that backwater ingrate has been a thorn in my side! He stole MY ship! And now he's using it-"

This went on for a while and was accompanied by no small amount of objects sent smashing into walls. The guards outside had heard this before, and left the door securely closed and themselves safely on the other side. For his part, Bernard took it well. Standing there calmly amidst the storm and waiting for the enraged Emperor to wear himself out. After a few minutes he did. Dropping into an infuriated silence he stalked to the liquor cabinet, retrieved a fresh goblet, and filled it. Moving back to his desk he collapsed into his chair and took a long pull from the glass. Eyes closed he let out a ragged breath and when he looked back at his aide his face was stone.

"What did we lose?"

Bernard pulled a datascreen from an inner pocket and calmly read off a list.

"Final tally comes to eight wraiths, two siege tanks, four goliaths, and eighty-six marines." The thin man looked up from his list, returning the datascreen to his pocket. "It looks like they followed the usual pattern. They stripped almost all the gear, supplies, and parts that they could from the station and it looks like they broke into the command center's database as well."

Bernard jumped as Mengsk's fist slammed down on the desk, though thankfully no crystal was broken this time. The Emperor visibly took hold of himself however before he spoke.

"Survivors?"

"Twenty-eight military personnel and the majority of the civilian staff, though it looks like they took the researchers with them for interrogation when they left. The survivors are saying Raynor left them there to bury their dead with enough supplies for two weeks. That is, once he'd taken everything else he wanted and disabled their communications equipment."

Mengsk nodded, thinking.

"Who responded to their distress call?"

"The 5th Response Fleet out of Dylar sir. Aside from the officers the entire force has been resocialized."

"Good. Ensure the responders receive orders to never speak of what they found on Braxis. We won't have any loose tongue's with resocs. And have the station's dead rearranged. I want it to look like Raynor went down a line executing most of them and then left them to rot. Have the survivors shipped to the closest resocialization center. I want them to swear on their mother's lives that they were killed almost to a man, without mercy, then sealed into the labs with no supplies and left to starve."

Mengsk looked up from his plotting to give Bernard a wry grin.

"Send in the press when it's done. I want the public so outraged by Raynor's terrorist tactics that he can't find shelter from here to Earth!"

Bernard gave a shallow bow.

"An excellent plan sir. I'll see to it at once."

Arcturus nodded, satisfied.

"Is there anything else?"

Bernard nodded back.

"The galloglasses you sent for have arrived sir. Three of their officers are waiting in the foyer."

Mengsk smiled. The expression lighting up his face and dispelling the last of the gloom left behind by the news of Raynor's raid.

"How long have they been waiting?"

"About a half hour sir."

Mengsks smile broadened and he took another sip of his port.

"Good. Perhaps the wait's made them aware of their position in the overall scheme of things. Those mercenary scum can get cocky, especially the galloglasses."

A look of uncertainty passed across Bertrand's features and was gone just as quickly.

"The staff informs me sir that they've made themselves comfortable. It appears they've gone through three bottles of our good scotch while they've been waiting."

The Emperor's eyes widened with a mix of shock and annoyance, but then he chuckled ruefully and shook his head.

The fringe world Galloway was an independent colony and had been so since the first transports had arrived in Koprulu sector from Earth. This independence was a result of the planet's main export, mercenaries. The Galloway mercenaries, who referred to themselves as Galloglasses, took their way of life from old traditions. Traditions that went as far back as Old Earth. The Terrans of Galloway, a clan based society, trained from childhood in the ways of war and conflict until they reached adulthood. Once they came of age the vast majority took service in one of the planet's famous mercenary companies. These companies were generally run by a particular clan, though it's members were drawn from all the clans of Galloway and were taught that the honor and reputation of the Company came before any other obligation save to Galloway itself.

The Galloglasses Companies were famous throughout the sector. Their fanatical devotion to warfare made them an extremely formidable foe on any battlefield. Though sometimes picky about their contracts the mercenaries were known to be thoroughly reliable once they did take a job. They did operate under a few basic codes however.

Galloglass companies did not fight each other. Contracts were carefully looked at to make sure there would be no conflict between the Companies. The reason for this unity was no secret, protection. Any threat to Galloway itself was put down violently by the Galloglasses. At a threat to the home planet all contracts were put aside and all of the planet's mercenaries would return home to deal with the situation at any cost. This coupled with the fact that every man, woman, and child on Galloway was trained in the use of weapons had kept most of the Terran factions throughout the sector's history from attempting any military action against the planet itself.

All of this was known to Arcturus Mengsk. The galloglasses were proud, uncouth, and had no particular loyalty to the Dominion. They were, however, highly effective fighters and carried out their contracts to the letter. They were also known for their appetites, and so he wasn't particularly surprised to hear that they had taken full advantage of the palace's hospitality. The Emperor's laughter died away but a wry grin remained on his bearded face.

"Bring them in Bertrand. If their wits have been dulled enough to make the bargaining easier then three good bottles of scotch will not have died in vain."

The joke didn't seem to register with the hook nosed man. Or if it did, none of the amusement reached his face. With a murmured "Yes Emperor" he moved to the door and stepped into the hall outside the study. Arcturus waited at his desk, sipping his drink, and gazing fondly around his study. Finally there was a knock at the door. Putting his glass down on his desk he stood, clasping his hands behind his back.

"Enter."

The door opened and Bertrand stepped into the study, taking up a position by the door.

"Presenting Constable Murrough McCabe of McCabe's Maniacs and his brothers, Riley and William McCabe."

Three men entered the study, moving to stand before the Emperor. All of them were over six feet tall, exceedingly muscular, and had fiery red hair. Each was dressed in simple white v-necked shirts, tucked into a pair of grey and green fatigue pants, which were in turn tucked into infantry combat boots. The boots were lightly armored and extended up and over the kneecap. On each of the men's knee plates was painted a coat of arms. The head of a man armored in metal plates (Arcturus recalled Old Earth legends referred to them as knights) was shown over a three pointed shield painted green with a white line through it's center and three fish painted on the green sections. Beneath the shield was a banner with the words "Aut Vincere Aut Mori" emblazoned across it's length and over the knights head was a green winged creature that Mengsk couldn't identify. Each of the shields was also surrounded by green filigree. All this Arturus took in with a glance before raising his gaze to meet the eyes of the three Galloglasses.

"Gentlemen you stand before Arcturus Mengsk, Emperor of the Terran Dominion, Guardian of Humanity, and Scion of the Mengsk Dynasty," Bernard intoned in his customary monotone.

The foremost of the men (his two companions stood behind and to either side of him) chuckled and extended his hand across the desk. Bernard almost choked at the breach in decorum. A bow or at least a salute of some kind was the accepted greeting for people meeting the Emperor. Mengsk himself suppressed a flash of annoyance but extended his hand. The galloglass leader enveloped the Emperor's gloved hand in a large mechanical one.

"Good evenin' to ye Emperor. The names Constable Murrough McCabe. Pleased to be makin' the acquaintance of such a chap as yerself. Guardian of Humanity and all that if yer man here's ta be believed."

Murrough McCabe was the tallest of his brother's, though somewhat leaner, and certainly the oldest. His accent had the lyrical quality to it that was iconic for the Terrans of Galloway. He wore his greying red hair cropped relatively close and a small beard. He seemed no older than his late thirties or early forties, but the years had not been kind to him. In addition to his mechanical prosthetic arm his left eye had been replaced with a mechanical ocular replacement that glowed a dull green. The prosthetics were fairly high quality for independent mercenaries and Mengsk wondered where the man had come by them. Murrough's five metal fingers gripped his flesh and bone ones firmly, though Mengsk suspected if the man wanted he could've crush his hand in a heartbeat. Putting that thought to the back of his mind (the man would never be so foolish here in the palace itself) he returned the Galloglasses' grin with one of his own.

"Well met Constable McCabe. As for the titles we all must have our hobbies."

Murrough nodded, the grin fading from his face as he turned gesturing toward the two men behind him with his mechanical arm.

"Allow me ta introduce me brothers Emperor. This here is William, me head engineer, and beside him stands Riley who's my best pilot."

The other two McCabe brothers nodded, murmuring semi-respectful greetings as they did so. William and Riley were slightly shorter than Murrough, though they were both more muscular. They both also had shaved heads though William sported a thick red goatee while Riley wore a bushy red beard. All three of the McCabe brothers smelled faintly of scotch, though if the liquor had dulled any of their senses Arcturus couldn't tell.

Moving out from behind his desk Arcturus indicated that the brothers should join him at some chairs near the fireplace. The group settled in and Mengsk seated himself in a fancily upholstered chair facing Murrough.

"May I offer you gentlemen some refreshment?"

The offer was met by grins from the two younger brother's and a grateful nod from Murrough. Arcturus nodded to Bertrand who poured three drinks and passed them to the seated mercenaries. The Emperor's eyes narrowed in distaste as the two younger McCabe brothers threw back their drinks, an expensive scotch from some fringeworld called Agria, downing them in single gulps. Murrough, however, sipped his own drink more slowly and eyed the emperor speculatively.

"So what can meself and the lads do for ye Emperor? I don't imagine ye invited us here for yer whiskey and fancy conversation."

Mengsk took a sip of his own drink and nodded, eyeing Bertrand out of the corner of his eye. The aide was giving the younger brothers a dark glare, likely for their ill treatment of so fine a liquor. Nodding to the galloglass leader Arcturus leaned forward companionably before replying.

"Indeed Constable. I've asked you here to take a contract dealing with a… delicate matter of state. I understand your men are some of the fiercest fighters Galloway has to offer."

A wry grin tugged at the corner of Murrough's mouth, though the harsh green glow from his mechanical eye gave the look an ominous cast.

"We all got our hobbies Emperor."

Mengsk returned the grin.

"Indeed. The matter I refer to is this. There is a planet on the border of Dominion and Kel-Morian space, Meinhoff. Its people have been repressed under the tyrannical rule of their Kel-Morian rulers for too long and the time for their liberation is at hand."

The red bearded Galloglass grinned again.

"And I s'pose that the time for ta liberation o' Meinhoff's huge mineral deposits is at hand as well?"

Mengsk's grin remained where it was, though the mirth faded from his eyes.

"We live in dangerous times Constable. We must all pull together and share what resources we have for the common good of the sector. However… I am not interested in war with the Combine."

The mirth faded from Murrough's eyes as well and he leaned back, his look now serious and all business.

"What's yer plan then Emperor?"

Mengsk set his drink down and folded his gloved hands in front of him.

"You and your company will land and eliminate the standing Kel-Morian forces under the guise of a raid by one of the independent factions that plague the fringeworlds. Once this is done you will notify one of my battlegroups, which will be waiting outside the system, via an encoded transmission. Following this they will enter the system under the pretense of a peacekeeping operation, and you and your men will feign a retreat before my larger force."

The galloglass commander scratched his chin thoughtfully before giving a non-committal shrug.

"Aye. I s'pose we could do that. Assuming yer offer is tempting enuff."

I have him. Mengsk leaned back and took a sip of his drink.

"I would be willing to pay your company a sum of three million credits. Paid to you after the completion of the operation via one of my commanders."

One of the younger McCabe's, Riley, whistled at the figure. This earned a sharp look from his brother, William.

"Shut yer mouth pup. We're in front of a client."

"Fekk you Bill! I be only making comment on his offer."

"Ye damn fool! Ye'll be keeping yer comments to yerself when we be negotiatin' or I'll punch yer greenie teeth in!"

"Who're ye calling green ye piss swillin' bastard! I'll knock some respect in to ye good an' proper!"

The two big men were on their feet now, spittle flying between them as they shouted, and Arcturus' mouth hung open in surprise at the outburst. It looked like the brothers would leap on each other at any moment until Murrough turned a withering glare on his two younger brothers.

"Oye! If ye two lads don't mind I'm kind of in ta middle of an important meetin'. So if ye don't shut yer mouths ye'll be cleaning the decks with yer toungue's or me names not Constable Murrough McCabe."

The elder McCabe's voice was soft but every word was thick with an impending wrath that immediately caught the other men's attention. Both brother's gave Murrough an abashed look and with a mumbled, "Aye Lucky. Sorry Lucky," they sank back into their seats though they still shot each other resentful glares. Murrough turned back to Mengsk, his expression indicating a long-suffering history of these occurences. Mengsk himself only barely managed to snap his jaw shut as the Constable turned toward him, still taken by surprise by the outburst."

"Lucky?"

Murrough rubbed his forehead irritably as he answered.

"Aye. Tis a nickname the company's given me over ta years. Apparently they think meself to be possessed of an inordinate amount of good fortune."

Mengsk eyed the man's several prosthetic implants and a set of scars that ran down the Galloglass commander's chin but said nothing. Clearing his throat he continued.

"Is the offer acceptable then?"

Murrough made a show of considering before sighing regretfully.

"Tis a fine offer Emperor to be sure. But me men won't be taking well to this retreatin' business. Galloglasses are a very proud bunch ye see."

Arcturus' jaw clenched in anger. Impudent wretch! Three million, even for an operation this size, was an extremely generous figure. And here this fringeworld yokel was trying to squeeze more out of him. If Murrough saw the Emperor's agitation he gave no sign, however, and continued thoughtfully.

"Perhaps if ye was to sweeten the pot I could assuage their damaged feelings ye see. Like say if we was to be allowed to resupply from yer stores here on Korhal free o' charge? And some money up front wouldn't hurt either. Say half now and half from yer man when the job's done. And it will get done…" At this Murrough leaned forward and locked gazes with Mengsk, his expression deadly serious. "Once meself and the lads have taken yer job it'll be done right and quickly don't ye doubt."

Arcturus took his time considering the man's terms. Reigning in his anger he finally forced a smile onto his face and stood, extending his hand. The McCabe brother's stood as well and Murrough shook the Emperor's gloved hand with his grey mechanical one.

"I accept your terms Constable."

"Well then meself and McCabe's Maniacs be at yer service Emperor."

"Gentlemen, my aide Bertrand will see to the details of your resupply and downpayment. Now if you'll excuse me, I have other matters of state to attend to."

The McCabe brother's nodded in parting and followed Bertrand, who gave the Emperor a bow and then led the mercenaries out to see to their needs. Arcturus watched them go with a dangerous gleam in his eyes. Insufferable ingrates. But they were some of the finest mercenaries in the sector.

As the door closed behind the departing galloglasses Mengsk snapped his fingers without taking his eyes from the door. A flash of blue lit up the shadows around the study as a ghost decloaked immediately to his left. The man was fully armed and armored with his canister rifle held at the ready and his mask obscuring his face.

"Yes Emperor?" The speakers in the mask distorted the man's voice.

Mengsk finally glanced at the silent bodyguard.

"Bring me Commander Cromwell."

"Right away sir." With another flash of blue the ghost instantly cloaked and a moment later the door to the study opened and closed. The action didn't surprise the guards in the hall in the least.

Smiling in satisfaction Emperor Arcturus Mengsk moved to the liquor cabinet to refill his drink.

Hope you all enjoyed it. I introduced a couple more characters in this chapter that'll play roles in the rest of the story. I took some liberties with the whole Galloglass bit, though I tried to mesh historical fact with a vision of something that could actually exist in the Starcraft universe. For those of you familiar with the game you'll remember the scottish pilot of the Hercules transport. I remember seeing that for the first time I thought (and still think) it was awesome coming from celtic ancestry myself. Anyway it got me to thinking that some scottish/irish characters could be an interesting addition to a Starcraft story and I figured it's a fanfic anyway so I'll do what I want :P.

- James