Cath

Price of Life (EliteCommander and Cath)

Light jerked away from Jess when she mentioned how much they might get paid.

“Really? That's wonderful! I’m sure we can make it work.” He slapped Jess gently on the shoulder. He was filled with a burst of optimism about this potential business arrangement; having Jess taking charge of all that meant he could focus on more of what he was good at. His hide took on ripples of thoughtful purple.

He perked back up at the mention of the Cerberus club. “Why not let a program summarise it for you? Nobody has time to read all those…words.” He shivered at the thought of all those scratchy Human symbols. QV writing was relief-based, making reading more like exploring a vast network of tiny valleys with sonar. Other systems were very tedious indeed by comparison.

“If we are going on a great adventure into the unknown, I would at least like to enjoy one night of being cancer free and alive.”

Price of Life (EliteCommander and Cath)

“Hmmm. Well I suppose I have got more flexibility now my treatment has finished.” Light mused. While working with the For Good Cause Foundation came with great benefits like healthcare, they didn’t pay well. Making some proper money would let him make some much-needed upgrades. This job did sound potentially risky, though they were no strangers to that in their line of work.

“We could set off tomorrow, but I’ll need to talk to Senjen about this, unless you already have? How much of a payday are we talking about?”

Price of Life (EliteCommander and Cath)

“Super! I will see you here tomorrow if I don’t see you tonight.” The Utaysi clapped his hands together in a curiously Human gesture.

---

I’m not going to buy it! But what harm is a little test drive? He shot a mischievous look at Jess before patting her face again. Symphony looked between them as they silently communicated. Eventually light spun to face her.

“I won’t say no to taking good care of this suit for a little while. And this party sounds like fun-” He whirled round when Jess suggested they may not go, upset. It was his special day, after all.

Wanting to get his own back, Light refused to ditch the suit. After their group had met back up and turned to leave, he quickly stopped to sign an agreement to borrow the suit for free, with Myrmidon retaining full tracking and override controls. He also agreed to pay for any loss or damages.

“I’ll talk to my friends; I’m sure we can make it to this thing tonight.” He said sheepishly to Symphony as she filed the agreement.

“I’d like that.” She reached out with one manipular to brush the front of his suit.

---

The docking yard was busy at this time, with lots of comings and goings. Red dust swirled bits of dead vegetation and rubbish across the ground; some of it collected around the ramshackle array of furniture which Light and Senjen had rescued from being thrown away and placed out front.

After such a busy day and with the prospect of a busy night, Light was looking forward to relaxing in his room for a little while. Even if just to collect his thoughts. But it seemed Jess needed him for something, so he reluctantly headed to his cabin to stow the new Myrmidon suit away. By comparison, his old red suit felt tired and sluggish. Light then went with Jess to a dark and quiet corner of the ship.

When it became clear it was some sort of secret he was being made party to, Light leaned in closer with every sentence. By the time Jess finished speaking, his ‘forehead’ was practically planted on hers and his watery eyes stared directly into hers. He nodded softly, actively listening.

“Interesting.” He said finally.

“So what is it? Where is it? How much are we talking? Why can’t Ruk know?”

Price of Life (EliteCommander and Cath)

“Thank you.” The Utaysi keyed in the data Senjen provided.

“Yes, I’ll include all the details you need in a customised pack right away. Just hold on a moment…” He was working faster now, cognizant that Senjen was getting restless.

“Alrighty. Assuming you put a 20% deposit of just over 833m GC down on the base price, I can give you a 5% interest rate over three years, 4% over five years or 3% over ten years. The total monthly repayments on those are 99.9m, 61.3m and 32.1m respectively. Join the content creator program in the next day and I can freeze the interest rates, meaning the monthly repayments drop to 73.8, 44.9m and 23m. Does that sound manageable for you?” He looked up at Senjen to gauge his reaction.

“Please, take some time to ponder it. And as a gesture of goodwill, here are four free tickets to a little mixer Myrmidon is throwing at the Cerberus club tonight. Maybe see you there?” Senjen received a pack totalling just under 250 pages containing his quote and all the terms and conditions.

There was a section about work placements as promised. This was essentially a job board that Senjen would have access to as a Myrmidon private security frame owner. All of them were sponsored by Myrmidon or close partners, and involved a variety of projects that required a fixed term abroad. There was a bit of everything, from guarding high value individuals to controlling unruly workforces and supporting scientists studying dangerous diseases.

There was also a section about on-frame advertising. A newer, optional feature, this allowed frame owners to get money off their loan by renting their body space out for brand sponsorships. The software could also pitch adverts for the user to drop into conversation that were relevant to whatever was being talked about.

---

Symphony gave Jess a gracious bow.
“Uhhh, no. I don’t think I have. It's a bit of a…tricky situation about that.” Light tried to explain. “I’m not the right sort of caste to just be able to access top-end QV suits. They keep them very exclusive.”

“Myrmidon have taken top-end tech from the ancient houses of Vosh and made it accessible to anyone. Isn’t that wonderful?” Symphony added.

“Quite! Alas, I don’t need this newfangled technology. My job requires my mind to be sharp, not my body.” Light sounded quite melancholy all of a sudden.

“Well, why don’t you keep it for a day to properly get to grips with it, and tell me that again in the morning? You’d be the talk of the town at a little party we’re throwing at the Cerberus club tonight. Will you both come?”

Light perked right up, looking side on at Jess.

Price of Life (EliteCommander and Cath)

“Oh…” The Utaysi opposite him looked crestfallen, upset even.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to put pressure on you. It's mostly boilerplate stuff in the contract really. If you bought the loadout from the simulation for example, you’d have to film a certain amount of content every month of the year to qualify for that discount. You’d be able to submit film and audio to us without direction but we have the right to refuse it, or you can be accompanied by a Myrmidon film drone. Uhh, what else…” They flicked through the legalese. “You wouldn’t own any rights to the content in perpetuity, which is pretty standard these days.”

He looked back up from the pad at Senjen, then caught the ball of his fist in the other hands. “Damn, I didn’t even get to the work placements or the advertising opportunities. Ok, let me generate your quote now…”

There was a few second delay, in which Ruk sent a message privately to Senjen.

“Whatever it is, don’t accept their first offer. Heck, don’t accept any offer you don’t feel comfortable with.”

“Alright! Before discounts and incentives your order comes to 4,166,666,667 Galactic Credits. If you join the content creator program and fulfill your contract, this comes down to 3,125,002,500. Now of course one of our mantras here at Myrmidon is that anyone can purchase from us, so we have a wide range of financial products available if you’re unable to pay the full amount up front. Mortgages between three and thirty years are popular; if you’re able to confirm the deposit you can put down and your monthly earnings I can provide you with a monthly cost?”

---

Once Jess approached the opening she’d see Light spinning around and moving laterally around the room at a gentle pace. The walls and a centre island were stacked with equipment suited to QV customers. Power tools, weapons, medical equipment, the list was endless. Light reached out manipulars to pick things up then discard them again. QV quite liked ‘investigating’ chaotic piles of things in shops - it mimicked their natural reef foraging behaviour, so Myrmidon had simulated that masterfully here.

“On a purely functional level, it seems better in every respect.” Light’s simulated voice had started to develop a slightly tipsy element.

“It just doesn’t feel very…homely right now. My old suit fits me like a glove and knows what I'm thinking. Despite the heater, this one feels quite harsh.”

“The mind-meld would fix that. At the moment it is configured so any species could pilot it.” Symphony explained, before turning to Jess.

“Would you like to have a try?"

Price of Life (EliteCommander and Cath)

“No, of course not!” The Utaysi gestured and a 60 page contract relating just to the content creator program appeared on both their holo pads for download.

“As this is a very competitive program, I’m afraid our offer can only stand for one Korit day. But by all means, take some time to read through and consider it.” They tapped their claws against the side of the pad, looking at them both for a second, before continuing.
“Ok, next up, I’m pleased to say you have qualified to join our Myrmidon Assist program if you so choose.” Another brochure opened on both their holo pads.

“This is a club of competent Myrmidon product users who come to each other's assistance when required. Say you’re…I don’t know…under attack and need reinforcements. Simply activate your Assist beacon, your suit will outline the job requirements and within minutes relevant Myrmidon customers will come to help you out! Even better, completing jobs will actually contribute to money off your preferential-rate Myrmidon Bank loan! How does that sound for you? Would you like me to add that to the quote I'm building for you?”

---

Light hesitated when Symphony offered him a ‘test drive’. His mind immediately recalled the last time he changed suits, in that little shop two years ago on his first job with Senjen. He shuddered as his body remembered being crushed and starved of oxygen by that deadly black droid.

“Who. Do. You. Work. For? their voice was still clear in his head after all this time. The dead tone, devoid of any empathy.

“Are you alright?” Symphony asked, floating a little closer with concern etched on her hide.

“Y-yes, sorry. Why do you not wear this suit yourself, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Good question. I am actually being fitted with mine in a few days; I can’t use this one as then we wouldn’t have a display model. That gives you a clue as to how new this product is! If you are unsure, we can leave the demonstration for now and-”

“No, no. I’m alright - let's do it.” Unwilling to let this female see him as feeble and afraid, Light slipped out of his suit and swam slowly towards the suit. It reflected his face back at him, totally reflective while no one was operating it.

“It's open, just make yourself at home.” Symphony urged.

The suit was warm to the touch, sucking Light into its inviting cocoon. The gel became transparent, though the gold highlights remained. A faint whirring sounded and then the suit came free of its dock, bumping off the floor.

“It won’t mind-meld with you, for security reasons. But all the physical capabilities are active.” Symphony swam up close to Light to check everything was in order. Light was staring in wonderment around him. “Everything is so clear! I feel like I can sense all the way out the front door!”

“Thats because you can.” She giggled.

Light tried to swim to the left and instantly shot through the double doors, moving at triple the speed of normal. He screamed, narrowly avoiding a floating rack of sonic weapons before bouncing off the gel wall in the next room.

“I’m OK! This thing is kinda fast.” He called. Symphony just laughed, before motioning politely for Jess to lead her through to join him.

Price of Life (EliteCommander and Cath)

The Utaysi inclined their head graciously and spread their hands modestly at Senjen’s claim. “It would certainly appear that way.”

“You were great, really!” Ruk said. “I think I’ll pass on the martial arts class though; I like to think my disarming personality is enough to keep me out of trouble.” Her bill clattered together, producing staccato raps.

The staff member listened keenly to Senjen’s feedback, nodding.

“Yes, our frames are the most robust money can buy. There is a lot more we can add to your package in future if you want to ‘tank up’ even more.” They steepled their hands in a supplication stance when Senjen repeated that he wasn’t ready to buy today.

“I admire and respect your discipline. Will you allow me to merely share with you some incentives and programs that may help with your purchase?”

Senjen agreed, so they led both of them to a comfortable seating area suitable for all species and handed them each a holo pad.

“Ok. First things first - it is obvious you have a flair for combat. We think the people deserve to see more of that. So my supervisor has authorised me to invite you to our content creator program. If you agree to film a series of videos demonstrating and promoting Myrmidon gear to our Utaysi audience, we can offer you a 25% discount on all private security lines. What do you think?”

---

The gel rooms lined the back wall. They stretched from floor to ceiling and glowed a healthy, inviting azure. The ‘walls’ rippled but did not betray the contents of each room, which only served to increase Light’s excitement.

“Myrmidon has greatly expanded its QV-specific ranges over the last two decades.” Symphony began as they approached.

“At first it was limited to tools, medical equipment and mining rigs, that sort of thing. But now I’m very happy to say…” She disappeared into the gel. Light waited for Jess to venture inside first, then emerged last.

They were in a roughly rectangular room decorated with underwater flora. There was an opening to more rooms on the right and another on the left. Symphony had shed her suit and swum free. Light kept hold of his suit, self-conscious of his atrophied body and misshapen tentacle.

In the middle of the room was a sleek teardrop of silver gel, threaded with veins of gold.

“We’ve created a gelsuit with Myrmidon durability and tech built in.” She said, drifting close to it before looking back at them. Light couldn’t help but gasp at its beauty.

“Wow. Its…like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” He swam closer, examining it from all angles.

“You can try it on, if you like.” Symphony teased.

Price of Life (EliteCommander and Cath)

“Well done! I am impressed.” The Utaysi congratulated Senjen as he exited the simulation.

“Most people do not win on their first try; one versus two as well. Bravo!”

“Good job Senny, you were formidable in there.” Ruk toasted him with a few glass of champagne.

A servile droid appeared with a tiny olive tree sapling in a terracotta pot on their silver tray. The Utaysi staff member carefully took hold of it and presented it to Senjen.

“A token of Myrmidon’s appreciation - you have earned it. How did it feel, controlling one of our base models? You made good use of your custom loadout.”

---

“It's a room made of gel.” Light said simply.

“You’ll be perfectly safe in there. Safer, even, than out here.” Symphony chuckled musically.

“Please, show us the way!” Light concluded with vigour. He placed his drained glass on a passing tray, grabbed a manipular full of vol-au-vents and meandered through the crowd after the salesperson.

Price of Life (EliteCommander and Cath)

Satisfied that they wouldn’t win a gunfight against Senjen from his fortified position, the Blue team leader unclipped their grenade. Leaning out from behind cover for a second, they activated it and threw it under arm straight through the right-hand doorway.

Senjen scarcely had a second to dive for cover before it detonated, filling the room with a fiery explosion and shrapnel. A solid wood dresser took the brunt, splintering into a thousand pieces. The rest crashed into Senjen’s shield bubble, lighting it up with a loud SHHZZZZZZZZZHHHHH. As soon as the grenade exploded, the Blue team leader rushed to take cover on the opposite side of the right hand door from Senjen, dodging flying shrapnel that exploded through every opening.

The damaged Red team droid crawled around the barrier towards its Blue team equivalent as they were still reeling from the damage to their arm and the fall. They slashed their claws at their would-be executioner, and would have decapitated it had they not thrown their rifle in the way. The claws bend the weapon so severely the Blue deputy discards it, launching themselves at Senjen’s damaged ally with claws drawn. Too weak to defend themselves, the claws slice through their neck, and take them out of the fight permanently.

---

“Myrmidon encourages a diverse range of viewpoints within our ranks. It means we can solve our customers’ problems in a balanced and empathetic manner.” Symphony explained. Light nodded sagely in agreement.

“I saw some gel-rooms back there. Is there anything exciting in them?” He asked.

“Yes of course! Would you like me to show you both?”

Price of Life (EliteCommander and Cath)

The droid tussled wildly with Senjen, trying to dislodge the claws from its chest. They brought their gun back up and smashed it into his head to no avail. Senjen swiped the rifle away and dispatched the damaged droid with a swift stomp to the head.

The two remaining soldiers on the opposing Blue team conducted a tight fire and move sequence, gaining significant ground towards Senjen’s beleaguered opponents. The droid on the left was hit again, rendering it unable to support its teammate who found themselves quickly pinned.

Reaching the other side of the tall piece of cover, the blue team operator duked left but appeared right, putting an energy bolt straight through their opposite number’s head. They clattered to the ground, rifle falling from their limp hands.

The leading droid on the blue team directed its deputy to finish the damaged ally off while they themselves moved to take up cover overlooking the side rooms.

---

“Oh…I was just telling…Light…about what I did before joining Myrmidon.” Symphony blushed.

“She was part of this group mind called Zeteticist. They’re what Humans might call vigilantes?” Light filled Jess in helpfully.

“It seems we may have been eating from different sides of the same plate, as it were.” Symphony added. Light was tickled with endearment at her use of a Human metaphor; plates and cutlery were a most bizarre concept for QV.