Job 1. Don's Daughter

The year is 2145, and humanity has pushed the boundaries of its existence to the stars. Advanced technology has made interstellar travel commonplace, with colonies scattered across the Milky Way galaxy. These settlements range from pristine hubs of law and order to shadowy dens of chaos and vice. Among the latter is Vulpes, an infamous underground mining colony nestled in the heart of the Outinax Expanse—a place where morality was as scarce as breathable air.

Vulpes were a haven for the galaxy's most dangerous and disreputable assassins, mercenaries, mafia kingpins, gangsters, drug lords, and slave traders. Here, no question is asked if the price is right, and no deed is too dark to undertake. The colony operates on one principle alone, money talks. Laws don't exist in Vulpes, nor do governments, police, or any semblance of military oversight. It was the furthest point from the reach of galactic authorities—a forgotten corner of space where corruption thrives unchecked.

For those seeking sanctuary from the prying eyes of the law or a place to indulge their basest instincts, Vulpes was the ultimate refuge. It was a sprawling underworld lit by the harsh glow of neon signs, its streets filled with the hum of illicit deals and whispered threats. A dystopian Wild West, where survival depended on cunning, firepower, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to stay on top.

The Vault was an assault on the senses—a chaotic symphony of garish neon lights and blaring music that thudded deep in the chest. Conversations roared over each other, laughter clashed with curses, and a haze of smoke hung like a permanent cloud under the low metal ceiling. Criminals of all stripes—mercenaries, smugglers, assassins—filled the cavernous underground bar. The room smelled of burnt synthetic meat, spilled liquor, and the sharp tang of gunpowder from pistols worn brazenly at hips.

Conrad Hackner sat at a shadowed corner booth, an island of calm in the storm. His weathered face bore the lines of countless battles, his piercing green eyes scanning the room as if cataloging potential threats. A half-eaten plate of faux beef and a glass of whiskey rested in front of him, untouched for minutes. His combat vest bore scuff marks that spoke of recent violence, and a heavy-duty XM2111 pistol was strapped to his waist.

Across from him, Giovanni Arcangelo exuded a different kind of power. The eldest son of Don Arcangelo, he was the picture of cold confidence, a predator in a tailored black suit. The gold chain around his neck glinted in the light as he lit a cigar, taking a deliberate drag before addressing Conrad.

"Hackner," Giovanni began, his smooth baritone cutting through the din of the bar. "I appreciate you coming."

"You don't leave a man like you waiting," Conrad replied, his voice gravelly but calm. He reached for his whiskey and took a slow sip. "What's the job?"

Giovanni leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. His expression darkened. "My sister, Sofia. She's missing."

Conrad's eyes narrowed slightly. "Missing how?"

Sliding a sleek data tablet across the table, Giovanni tapped the screen. The holographic display lit up with an image of a young woman. Sofia Arcangelo had delicate features, dark hair pulled into a modest braid, and an unassuming smile. She looked out of place in a family known for its ruthlessness.

"She was traveling back from Abacus Colony two days ago," Giovanni explained. "Her ship went off-course. Crashed. X2-09F—some godforsaken jungle planet. Her tracker's gone dark. Two days."

Conrad studied the image, then swiped to the next screen showing the planet's dense terrain. "A jungle world. Hostile?"

"Hostile enough," Giovanni replied, his tone clipped. "Her bodyguards were with her. If she's alive, she won't be for long."

"And if she's dead?" Conrad asked bluntly, meeting Giovanni's gaze.

Giovanni didn't flinch. "You bring back proof. But you'll get her out alive."

Conrad leaned back. "What's the pay?"

The faintest smirk tugged at Giovanni's lips. He tapped a few buttons on his own PDA. A chime sounded from Conrad's device.

Thirty million credits.

"That's just half," Giovanni said, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "The rest comes when you bring her back safe. And let me be clear, Hackner—you fail, and my father will take it... personally."

Conrad pocketed his PDA, unfazed. "You've got a deal."

Giovanni stood, adjusting his cufflinks with a practiced elegance. "Good. I'll expect results soon."

As Giovanni and his bodyguards disappeared into the haze of the bar, Conrad tapped the comm unit clipped to his ear. "Team, listen up. Meet me at the Artemis in ten. We've got a job."

The Artemis loomed in the dimly lit hangar like a predator resting between hunts. Its arrowhead shape was designed for both speed and precision, with an unmistakable air of menace. The hull was painted a muted gunmetal grey and bore streaks and scorch marks from countless skirmishes. Its twin Gatling autocannons on the port and starboard sides gleamed ominously, while the railgun burrowed on the bow gave it the look of a war machine built for relentless efficiency. The ship's sheer presence was enough to make anyone think twice about crossing its path.

Inside, the ship was just as utilitarian. The main hold was cluttered but functional, with crates of ammunition, survival gear, and tools stacked along the walls. The faint hum of the FTL drive vibrated through the metal floor, a constant reminder of the ship's readiness to take off at a moment's notice.

The crew gathered around the central holographic table, which flickered to life with the tap of Conrad's finger. A detailed map of X2-09F appeared, showing dense jungle terrain crisscrossed by rivers and dotted with mountains.

Jimmy Clarkson leaned against a bulkhead, twirling a wrench between his fingers. His perpetually messy brown hair fell into his eyes as he flashed his signature cocky grin. "What's the gig, boss?" he asked, his tone light but laced with curiosity. "Another bounty? Or are we finally getting to blow up something big again? I'm itching to see those missile pods in action."

Conrad looked up from the map, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Neither. Rescue mission. Don Arcangelo's daughter went down here." He gestured to the map, zooming in on a section marked with a blinking red dot.

Kaidan Miles let out a low whistle as he leaned forward, his broad shoulders casting a shadow over the table. His combat armor, already fitted and prepped, made him look like a walking tank. "The Don's daughter?" he said, a note of surprise in his voice. "Man, that's serious. He must be desperate to throw that much money at us."

"Thirty million desperate," Conrad replied. "Half up front, half when she's safe."

Roanna Lin, seated on a nearby crate with her medkit beside her, arched an eyebrow. Her sharp features and short-cropped black hair gave her a no-nonsense air that was only amplified by the faint scar running along her jawline. "Big money, sure. But if she's been on a jungle planet with no comms for two days, she's probably dead. And we'll be next if we're not careful."

Conrad's gaze didn't waver. "That's why we're not taking chances. We go in fast, get her, and get out. Clean and quick."

Jimmy let out a snort. "Clean and quick? Famous last words." He spun the wrench once more and tossed it onto the nearby workbench. "Jungle planets are never quick. Or clean."

Conrad shot him a look that silenced his grin. "Gear up. Jungle terrain means humidity, heat, and god knows what else. Keep your packs light, but weapons hot."

Kaidan grinned, slinging his rifle over his shoulder. "Hot weapons? That's my kind of mission."

As the crew dispersed to gather their gear, Jimmy called out from the cockpit, "I'll fire up the engines. Let's see what this Artemis beauty can do on jungle turf."

Conrad lingered for a moment, his gaze fixed on the map. The terrain was unforgiving, and the red dot marking Sofia's last known location felt like a warning. He tapped his comm device. "Everyone, be ready. This isn't going to be a milk run."

The Artemis hummed softly as it shot through the vast void of space at Faster-Than-Light (FTL) speed, the stars streaking by as the jungle planet of X2-09F drew closer. In the ship's main hold, the crew had gathered in their usual spots to pass the time during the long journey. The mood was light, and the air was tinged with nervous energy as they prepared for what lay ahead.

Kaidan leaned back in his seat, balancing a combat knife on the tip of his finger. "You know," he started, glancing at Roanna, "Thirty million credits is one hell of a payday just to bring someone's kid back. Makes you wonder what Sofia's done to earn her dad's love. Guy must really care about her."

Roanna, sitting cross-legged on a crate, snorted. "Care? It's not care—it's ego. Men like Don Arcangelo don't love people. They protect assets."

Kaidan raised an eyebrow, flipping the knife and catching it by the handle. "Cynical much?"

Roanna smirked, leaning back against the wall. "I'm realistic. A father willing to drop sixty million credits to save his daughter? That's not love. That's preserving power."

Jimmy, sprawled across a bench with his arms folded behind his head, chuckled. "And what would you know about a father's love, Roanna? You didn't even have one!" His grin was wide, but his tone carried a playful edge. "Hell, you've probably got as much experience with family dynamics as a rock."

Roanna's eyes narrowed, but there was no malice in her expression. She let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, shut up, Jimmy. You're an orphan too, you idiot. If anyone here knows less about families, it's you."

Jimmy gasped in mock offense, sitting up dramatically. "I'll have you know I was raised by the most loving AI nanny credits could buy! She even sang me lullabies... in sixty-nine different languages."

That earned a bark of laughter from Kaidan, who leaned forward and clapped Jimmy on the shoulder. "Yeah, bet she even nannied you to be this annoying."

Roanna joined in, her laughter was loud and genuine. "That actually explains so much."

Jimmy shook his head, his grin never faltering. "Laugh it up, you two. I'm a treasure, and you know it."

The shared laughter rippled through the room, momentarily lightening the tension of the upcoming mission. Even Conrad, who had been standing at the far end of the hold reviewing the terrain data on his PDA, allowed himself the faintest smirk.

"All right, enough," Conrad said, his voice cutting through the humor but not unkindly. "Gear check. We've got a crash site to investigate, and I don't want any surprises."

The crew sobered quickly, their smiles lingering as they moved to their stations. The Artemis continued its journey, slicing through the stars as the jungle planet loomed ever closer.

The Artemis hurtled through the turbulent atmosphere of X2-09F, its engines roaring like thunder. The cockpit was a blur of blinking lights and holographic readouts as Jimmy worked the controls with practiced ease. From the space, the planet unfolded like a vast emerald carpet, its endless jungle broken only by the occasional gleam of rivers snaking through the greenery.

"Got a visual on the crash," Jimmy called out, his usual levity replaced by focus. His fingers danced over the controls as he adjusted their descent trajectory. "Big lake nearby. Looks like she went down hard."

Conrad leaned over his shoulder, studying the display. The wreckage was spread out near the shoreline, a stark contrast to the pristine jungle. Smoke still somehow curled from the torn hull. "Set us down west of the site. I want the Artemis hidden in the tree cover."

"You got it, boss," Jimmy replied, guiding the ship toward a clearing surrounded by towering trees. The landing struts extended with a hiss of hydraulics as the Artemis touched down, the engines whining before powering down.

The crew disembarked, their boots sinking slightly into the loamy ground. The air was oppressive, thick with humidity and the tang of rotting vegetation. Alien insects buzzed around them, their translucent wings catching the faint sunlight filtering through the canopy.

"Welcome to paradise," Jimmy muttered, swatting at a particularly persistent insect. "I give it two hours before I start hating this place."

The crash site was worse than expected. The ship lay in two jagged pieces, its hull was torn apart like a tin can. Smoke rose in lazy spirals, mingling with the faint metallic tang of blood that hung in the air. The ground was littered with debris—twisted metal, shattered glass, and what looked like personal belongings scattered in the chaos.

Inside the wreckage, the scene turned grim. Bodies of the ship's crew were strewn across the floor, their faces frozen in expressions of terror. Deep claw marks gouged the walls, and the floors were slick with congealed blood. Flies buzzed around the carnage, their incessant drone adding to the oppressive atmosphere.

Roanna knelt beside one of the claw marks, tracing it with a gloved finger. "These aren't from any animal I've seen," she said, her voice quiet but tinged with unease. "The cuts are too deep. Too precise."

Kaidan crouched near a trail of blood that led away from the wreckage and into the jungle. His sharp eyes followed the path, noting the broken branches and disturbed foliage. "Looks like someone made it out. Could be Sofia."

Conrad's expression hardened. "Weapons ready. We're not alone here."

The jungle was alive, but not in a comforting way. Every rustle of leaves and every snap of a branch sent the crew on high alert. The dense undergrowth seemed to close in around them, the thick canopy above casting the forest floor in perpetual twilight. Alien insects flitted between the trees, their luminescent bodies glowing faintly in the gloom.

"Remind me," Jimmy said, his voice low as he swatted another insect. "Why do people even live on planets like this?"

"No one lives here," Conrad replied, his tone clipped. "And now we know why."

The blood trail led them to the mouth of a dark cave. The entrance was jagged, the rock worn smooth in places as though something large had passed through repeatedly. The air was cooler here, carrying the faint scent of damp stone and something metallic—blood.

A sharp gunshot echoed from within, freezing the crew in their tracks.

"Stay sharp," Conrad hissed, raising his rifle. He signaled for the team to spread out as they entered the cave, their footsteps muffled by the damp ground.

The beam of Conrad's flashlight cut through the darkness, illuminating the rough walls of the cavern. Deeper in, the light fell on a huddled group of figures—Sofia and two bodyguards. One of the men was slumped against the wall, blood staining his torn sleeve. Nearby lay the corpse of a monstrous creature. Its green-scaled body was sprawled in a pool of dark blood, its jagged spines glinting faintly.

Sofia raised a pistol with trembling hands, her wide eyes darting between the intruders. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice shaky but defiant.

"Rescue team," Conrad replied, keeping his rifle lowered but his tone firm. "Your brother sent us."

Sofia hesitated, her gaze flickering between them before she lowered the pistol. Relief washed over her face. "Thank God. I thought no one was coming."

Roanna rushed to the injured bodyguard, her medkit already in hand. She examined the deep gash on his arm, muttering under her breath. "You're lucky this didn't get infected," she said, applying a medi-spray that hissed as it sealed the wound.

"We need to move," Conrad said, his eyes scanning the darkness beyond the group. "This place isn't safe."

Sofia glanced at the dead creature, her voice trembling. "There's more of them. We heard them outside the cave."

"We'll deal with it," Conrad said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Stick close, and do exactly as I say."

The jungle was a predator's playground, a tangle of vines and towering trees that blocked out the sun. The Artemis crew moved in formation, their weapons raised as they followed the blood trail back toward their ship. Sofia and her two bodyguards walked in the center, shielded by the more experienced fighters.

Kaidan moved to the front, sweeping the path with his rifle. His boots crushed alien vegetation underfoot, the soft squelch barely audible over the droning of unseen insects. "This feels too quiet," he muttered, his voice carrying over the comms. "Like something's waiting."

Roanna, walking just behind him, scoffed. "It's a jungle, Kaidan. It's supposed to be noisy."

"Exactly," Kaidan replied, his eyes scanning the trees. "But it's not."

The tension in the air was palpable. The crew paused as Conrad raised a hand. He stared into the shadows ahead, his head cocked as if listening for something. Then, a faint rustling came from the bushes to their left. Another sound followed—a low growl, guttural and menacing.

"Contact," Conrad said quietly, his voice sharp.

The rustling grew louder, joined by the snapping of branches. Then the creatures emerged. Their glowing yellow eyes pierced the darkness as they stalked into view, their green-scaled bodies blending seamlessly with the foliage. Each beast was the size of a tiger, its jagged spines raised like a ridge of knives. They snarled, their sharp teeth glinting in the dim light.

Kaidan swore under his breath. "How many?"

"Too many," Jimmy muttered, his voice tense. "At least twenty."

But the creatures weren't the only threat. From the shadows behind them, a figure emerged. A humanoid creature stepped forward with slow, deliberate movements. His gray-scaled skin shimmered faintly, and his pig-like snout twitched as he surveyed the crew. His staff crackled with an eerie blue energy, its tip glowing like a contained lightning storm.

"I am Xiv'Ula, the protector of this planet. You will not leave this planet, intruder," Xiv'Ula said, his deep, guttural voice carrying easily through the air. His tone was steady, almost calm, but there was an unmistakable edge of menace.

Conrad took a step forward, keeping his weapon lowered but ready. "We're not here to fight," he said evenly. "We're taking the girl and leaving. That's it."

Xiv'Ula tilted his head, his black eyes narrowing. "Lies. Your kind always lies." He slammed the base of his staff into the ground, and the crackling energy flared brighter. "Your presence endangers us. For that, you must die."

Before Conrad could respond, Xiv'Ula raised his staff and roared something in an alien tongue. The creatures charged.

The jungle erupted into chaos.

"Open fire!" Conrad shouted, his voice cutting through the snarls and growls of the charging beasts. He raised his rifle and fired, the muzzle flashing as bullets tore into the nearest creature. The beast staggered but kept coming, its spines rattling as it leaped toward him. Conrad sidestepped and fired again, the shots striking its skull. It dropped with a thud.

Kaidan let out a battle cry as he unloaded his rifle into the pack, his controlled bursts dropping one beast after another. "Keep moving!" he yelled, his voice hoarse. "Don't let them box us in!"

Jimmy, true to form, was grinning despite the chaos. "Grenade out!" he shouted, pulling the pin and hurling the explosive into the center of the pack. The blast sent shrapnel and green blood flying, reducing several creatures to twitching heaps.

Roanna stayed close to Sofia, her submachine gun barking as she fired into the approaching monsters. One of the beasts lunged at them, its jaws snapping inches from Sofia's face. Roanna stepped in front of her and fired point-blank into its throat. The creature collapsed, its body convulsing before going still.

"You owe me a drink," Roanna muttered, glancing at Sofia.

"Gladly," Sofia replied, her voice shaking.

Conrad's attention shifted to Xiv'Ula, who was advancing with his staff raised. The alien's movements were eerily calm, even as his creatures fell around him. With a sudden motion, Xiv'Ula thrust his staff forward, and a bolt of crackling blue energy arced toward Conrad.

Conrad dove to the side, the bolt striking a tree behind him. The bark exploded, showering him with splinters. He rolled to his feet and fired at Xiv'Ula, but the alien moved with inhuman speed, dodging the bullets with a fluid grace.

"You cannot win," Xiv'Ula growled, his voice low and guttural. "Your greed will be your undoing."

"What the hell are you saying, pal?" Conrad shot back, firing another burst. "I'm just doing my job."

Xiv'Ula snarled and swung his staff in a wide arc, sending another bolt of energy toward Conrad. This time, Conrad didn't dodge. Instead, he raised his rifle and fired straight into the bolt, the bullets disrupting the energy and sending sparks flying. The force of the impact knocked Xiv'Ula off balance, and Conrad didn't waste the opportunity.

He charged forward, firing three shots at the alien's chest. The bullets struck true, and Xiv'Ula staggered back, blood seeping from the wounds. The alien fell to one knee, his staff slipping from his grasp.

"You... will regret this..." Xiv'Ula gasped, his voice faltering. "My people... will avenge me."

Conrad stood over him, his rifle trained on the alien's head. "Not today."

He fired a single shot, and Xiv'Ula collapsed, his body going still.

Conrad looked at Xiv'Ula's body for a moment and commanded his group.

"Move!" Conrad shouted, his voice cutting through the fading chaos. The pack of creatures was thinning, their numbers reduced to only a handful. The remaining beasts hesitated, their snarls turning to whimpers as they watched their leader fall.

Jimmy fired one last grenade into the pack, the explosion scattering the remaining creatures. "That's what I thought!" he shouted, his grin returning. "Run back to whatever hole you crawled out of!"

The crew sprinted toward the lake, the Artemis gleaming in the distance like a beacon of hope. The soft ground sucked at their boots, and the air burned in their lungs, but they didn't stop. Sofia stumbled, her exhaustion evident, but Roanna grabbed her arm and pulled her forward.

"We're almost there!" Roanna urged, her voice firm. "Don't stop now!"

The roar of the Artemis's engines greeted them as they neared the ship. Jimmy had broken ahead, racing into the cockpit to start the launch sequence. The ship's ramp lowered with a hiss, and the crew scrambled aboard, their breaths ragged.

Conrad was the last to board, his rifle still in hand as he scanned the jungle one final time. The creatures were gone, their glowing eyes vanishing into the shadows. Satisfied, he stepped onto the ramp and slapped the control panel, raising it behind him.

"Get us out of here, Jimmy," he ordered as he moved toward the cockpit.

Jimmy grinned, his hands flying over the controls. "With pleasure."

The Artemis lifted off, its engines roaring as it climbed through the atmosphere. Below, the jungle receded, the smoke from the crash site fading into the distance. Sofia and her bodyguards slumped into a seat in the main hold, her hands trembling as she stared at the floor.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Conrad nodded but said nothing. He leaned against the bulkhead, his mind already turning to Xiv'Ula's final words.

The Artemis touched down in the Vulpes spaceport two days later, its sleek form drawing admiring glances from the criminal crowd. Don Arcangelo himself was waiting on the tarmac, flanked by a dozen heavily armed bodyguards. His sharp eyes softened as Sofia stepped off the ramp, and he opened his arms to her.

"My little girl," he said, his voice uncharacteristically warm as he embraced her. "You're safe."

Sofia clung to him, her tears staining his expensive suit. "I thought I'd never see you again."

The Don pulled back, his expression hardening as he turned to Conrad. "You've done me a great service, Hackner. You and your crew have earned the Arcangelo family's gratitude."

He reached into his jacket pocket and withdrew a sleek, matte-black PDA. With a few precise taps, a soft chime echoed from Conrad's device, clipped to his belt. Conrad pulled it free, glancing down to see the notification of 70 million credits transferred directly to his account.

"The rest of the pay and a bonus," the Don said, his tone even, yet brimming with authority. "For your speed and... competence."

Conrad nodded, slipping his PDA back into place. "Pleasure doing business with you."

The Don gave him a rare smile. "You and your crew are always welcome here."

As the Don and Sofia left, Jimmy clapped Conrad on the back. "So, boss. Drinks are on you tonight?"

Conrad smirked. "You bet."

At The Vault, the crew celebrated with laughter, alcohol, and more food than they could eat. But as the night wore on, Conrad's thoughts lingered on Xiv'Ula's warning. The alien's dying words echoed in his mind like a distant storm on the horizon.

For now, though, there was peace. And in their line of work, that was all they could ask for.