The Lion's Gaze drifted into orbit around Planet Vesta, it's hull catching the amber glow of the twin suns. Below, the surface shimmered with dense forest, crystalline lakes, and sprawling cities built into the cliff sides. Vesta was a world of cunning and beauty - home to the Fox Beastmen and ruled by the enigmatic Baron Vesta.
Leonidas sits on the captain's seat, arms folded, gaze fixed on the planet below.
"Why are we here. We should be taking on commissions. Unless you bleed Lunari" said Titus.
'He speaks the truth. Docking fees alone are costing us. Good thing I had saved up much of my salary while I was still in the force. I have at least two million Lunari. It should last us for some time, but not forever. In the future, the Gaze will need repairs and upgrades. It being military grade, means it will not come cheaply'
"We require a marksman and operator.
The first can be found here. The finest marksman I have ever known, both with a ship and rifle."
Titus raised a brow, "Can he be trusted?"
"We served in the force together, before he had to leave due to some family issues. I trust him with my life" he confessed.
They land in the industrial district of Vesta's capital, a maze of neon-lit alleys and towering tenements. The air was thick with smoke and the scent of fried street food. These were not the polished walls of the Imperial Academy - but this was exactly where Ezran would be.
"Ezran of Vesta. Last I checked he is employed by some nightclub called The Ember Coil" he mumbled.
Leonidas opened his terminal and navigation made it easy for him to find his old friend. There he was standing at the entrance, arms crossed, tail flicking. He wore a sleeveless vest, revealing lean muscles and a holstered blaster at his hip.
Surrounded by a bevy of scandalously dressed women. 'Ever the ladies' man this one' thought Leonidas.
"How far must you have fallen? To find the finest marksman in the seven galaxies, moonlighting as some common bouncer" he hollered.
At first, the foxman had thought of reaching for his blaster to answer the perceived insult but then he saw the source of the words and he gave a beaming smile.
"Correction. It's the most handsome marksman in the seven galaxies" he joked.
The two men clasped forearms and acknowledged each other.
"As much as I am glad to see you my friend. What brings you to my side of the galaxy? I know it's not to stare at my pretty face."
"I am assembling a merc squad, and I find myself in need of a gunner. I know no one better."
Ezran snorted. "You know I heard you left the force, I couldn't believe it. So you want me to play soldier again?"
"No," Leonidas replied. "I need you to be who you are. A marksman. Someone I trust to guard my back."
Ezran's eyes narrowed. "Trust is good and all, but it does not pay the rent. And I've got a good thing going here."
Titus stepped forward. "You are a soldier boy, surely such work is beneath you."
Ezran looked away, jaw tight. "At least here I don't have young masters thinking they are better than me because of some name. Besides, there's something keeping me here."
Silence hung between them.
"What could possibly be in your way?" Asked Leonidas.
Finally, Ezran sighed. "You've got a ship?"
"I do. What troubles do you have that need a ship?" He questioned.
"My shift is over anyway. Come. It's best I show you."