Location: Gillfillan's Gold - 'Sharifs Mech'asium' -Mech Bazaar-
September 5th - 3048
The air was thick with the scent of oil, essence and machinery, yet all Carol could smell was the scent of cigarette as she nursed one, her sharp gaze fixed on her husband. Rhyan stood engaged in a heated discussion with Gruber, the chief mech tech of the Raptors, regarding the prime mech of the company—the Atlas.
The Atlas, a mech over 300 years old, held a special place in Rhyan's heart. However, its age posed challenges, and Gruber was adamant about upgrading it with new technologies and parts. Rhyan, on the other hand, stood firm in his determination to maintain the mech's originality, sticking with the /defiance industries'/ original components or as near as one could get.
The debate between the two, echoing between more or less usable mechs in the desert bazaar, encapsulated the ongoing struggle between tradition and the necessity for technological advancements within the Raptors of Thrakad.
Carol observed the exchange, her cigarette glowing as she inhaled, a silent witness to the clash of opinions that would shape the future of their war-worn company.
She turned her cold, blue eyes towards the merchant, exhaling a puff of smoke.
though fuming inside, maintained a stoic exterior. The argument between her husband and the lead Mech tech was certainly not helping her negotiation position. Beside her, the merchant seemed to revel in the predicament the mercenaries found themselves in. Despite the tension in the air, Carol took a slow drag from her cigarette, her expression betraying none of the internal turmoil.
However, she offered her warmest, friendliest smile in response to Sharif's presence. As the argument continued, she leaned toward Sharif, the dark, musky merchant, and whispered,
"Sharif, my friend, you always seem to have something intriguing to offer. A near mint Orion, you say? And Yrathi medium lasers from Gatzi Factories?" Carol mused, tapping the ash from her cigarette. "Let's talk details. I might be interested in making a deal. Lead the way."
The diverse personalities of the Raptors played out against the background of looming mechs and the smell of oil,metal and sand. To the left of Carol and the mechant, just beyond a duo of scrapped rusty Urban mechs, Elke was perched on a rotary 203 mm autocannon, exuberantly shouting about being the king of the world. Her unapologetic enthusiasm about warfare and violence added a touch of eccentricity to the otherwise utilitarian environment.
Lea, on the other hand, approached the situation with a more pragmatic mindset. She casually strolled around, inspecting various chassis and armaments, hoping to find something new or useful for her own mech. Her focus on practicality and efficiency stood in contrast to Elke's flamboyance.
Near the entrance, Lorelai sat comfortably, sipping on a cup of tea under an umbrella. Her calm demeanor and choice to observe rather than actively participate reflected her preference for a more relaxed setting. She had made it clear that such exertions weren't quite her cup of tea, quite literally.
Together, the trio of Elke, Lea, and Lorelai added a touch of individuality to the situation, highlighting the diverse nature of the mechwarriors in the company. The bustling activity continued as each pilot sought new things for their own mech, ensuring they were prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
The sun beat down mercilessly on the Mech'asium bazaar, casting a shimmering heat haze over the sprawling desert landscape. Gruber and Rhyan navigated through the maze of mech chassis, their faces glistening with sweat as they braved the scorching heat. The distant hum of mechanical activity and the occasional clatter of tools against metal provided a element to their mission.
As they strolled past the assortment of mechs on display, Rhyan's critical eye quickly identified the flaws in the available options. He stopped abruptly in front of an 80-ton Charger, a look of disbelief on his face. "Light lasers on an 80-ton chassis? That's practically a waste of tonnage," he remarked, shaking his head.
Gruber, wiping sweat from his brow, chimed in with a nod of agreement. "Absolutely, Rhyan. It's like putting a race car engine in a cargo truck. Inefficient and ineffective."
Continuing their journey through the bazaar, they approached a Liberator with visibly inadequate heat sinks. Rhyan scowled at the sight, pointing out the design flaw. "Not enough heat sinks! They might as well be sending our mechwarriors into a sauna instead of a battlefield. We need mechs that can handle the heat of combat."
Despite the harsh conditions and the subpar mechs on display, Rhyan and Gruber pressed on. Their complaints weren't just idle gripes but a testament to their commitment to securing the best possible equipment for the Unit of Mercenaries. The desert heat may have been oppressive, but their determination burned hotter as they sought the right mechs to fortify their mercenary unit.
Twenty minutes later, Rhyan, Gruber, and Carol stood in front of a rusty heavy mech. Its armor had been stripped by the biting sand that tore over the landscape. The mech, based on a Kali Yama Chassis Standard chassis, was classified as an Orion, a 75-ton heavy mech from Kali Yama Weapons Industries. Despite its worn appearance, it was armed with a dual missile pod in its left torso, one laser in each arm, and two lasers in the center. What delighted Rhyan the most, however, was the torso-mounted massive autocannon.
Rhyan ran his hand over the battle-worn surface of the mech, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Gruber, we can work with this. It might need some work, but it's got the potential to be a real powerhouse. And that autocannon... that's a game-changer."
Lea nodded her head and curled her lips into a wide smile. "TLC bossman."
"Can I paint it?" Elke asked as she ran a greasy hand through her hair.
Carol, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the mech, nodded in agreement. "Sharif, we'll take it. Consider it part of our deal. And throw in those Yrathi medium lasers you mentioned."
Sharif grinned, pleased with the turn of events. "You drive a hard bargain, Kommandant."
Carol sighed softly, she knew it was a bad deal but the company needed a new beating stick.
" But a deal is a deal. The Orion is yours, and I'll make sure the Yrathi lasers find their way to your bay." Sharif continued.
Lorelai sat by the entrance, sipping on her cold tea under an umbrella. Sharif's two young boys attended to her needs, offering drinks and providing shade from the merciless sun in the sky. The bustling activity around the mech bay seemed distant from her tranquil spot, and she observed the goings-on with a sense of detachment.
The heat created a shimmering mirage over the expansive desert terrain. Carol Fisher, her demeanor calm and businesslike, approached Sharif, the merchant with a reputation for acquiring valuable mech assets. Sharif, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, stood amid the mech chassis, eager to strike a deal.
"Sharif," Carol began, her tone measured, "we've already secured the Orion and those Yrathi medium lasers. Now, I need two additional mechs, something lighter but still reliable. What do you have to offer?"
Sharif's expression shifted to one of keen interest, and a sly smile played on his lips. "Ah, my dear Kommandant, you have a discerning eye for quality. I have just the thing you're looking for."
As they walked among the rows of mechs, Sharif pointed out a pair of Commandos that seemed to stand out from the rest. "These Commandos, my Kommandant, are in decent condition—lightly used, not overly damaged. They may not be the flashiest, but they are reliable and agile, perfect for scouting or hit-and-run tactics."
Carol studied the Commandos, taking note of their configurations and assessing their potential. "What kind of discount are we talking about, Sharif? We're here to strike a good deal, but we're not looking to be swindled."
Sharif's eyes gleamed with a mix of greed and shrewdness. "For you, my dear Kommandant, I can offer these Commandos at a price that won't break the bank. Consider it a special deal, just for the Raptors of Thrakad."
Carol, knowing the importance of expanding their mech roster, nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, Sharif. We'll take the Commandos. Let's finalize the deal, and may this be the beginning of a profitable partnership." The bazaar's hustle and bustle continued around them as they delved into the negotiations, each party seeking to maximize their gains.
As the rest of her unit secured a new addition to their mech lineup, Lorelai's focus remained on the soothing chill of her tea and the occasional glance at the mech techs working diligently on various chassis. Her demeanor, seemingly unaffected by the bedlam around her, hinted at a calm resilience that belied the intensity of the less then noble life. While the others attended to negotiations and mech acquisitions, Lorelai found solace in her own quiet corner, a temporary retreat before the inevitable return to the battlefield.
As the deal was sealed, Rhyan couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of optimism. The Raptors of Thrakad were about to add a impressive piece to their arsenal, and in the unforgiving battlegrounds of the universe, every advantage mattered.