As we flew to the ship that would take us to RPIMS-8770908, the planet we were going to guard, I glanced at the ship. It was a cruiser from the information I had gotten. I don't care about its weapons, I'm just moderately impressed that this company has an actual ship of the line.

  Next to the ship were scattered escorts and some auxiliary ships. Honestly, the more I see, the more I think this is some company/politicians personal fleet. How fun.

  Satisfied at the sight, I turn to Freski to start a conversation. "Miss Zarcono, might I inquire as to your service history? This is my first experience with a Mercenary company, and it would be comforting if you would elucidate on your experiences for reference." I ask.

  She glances at me again, and I note she has only gotten more nervous. How odd. But, she answers. "I have served this company for 1.5 years. This is my first company, so while I have no personal experience with other companies, this one has one of the best pays. They do expect skill and proper decorum, but are relaxed enough in private." She states. When she finished, she turned away quickly.

  Hmmmm. Perhaps blunt action would be necessary. "Do I frighten you, miss Zarcono?" I ask.

  She jerks her head to me. "..."

  "You see, I fully understand if you do. I take no offense. I am the very definition of menacing. 14 feet, I look imposing. And I'm not skeletal in the traditional sense. While I have endeavored to lessen myself to appeal to people more, there is only so much I can do..." I shake my head, as if disappointed.

  "...I-" Clank

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  "Prepare for disembarking procedures." An automated voice calls. Damn. I was close, I think, to cracking the nervous shell.

  When the bay doors open Freshki was already unbuckled and heading for the doors. "Alright then. Another time, I suppose." I mutter, and unbuckle as well. I nod an the now awake Carl, then slowly walk out, bending all the way out.

  When I finally get into the unloading bay of the cruiser, I look for Freshki, buuuut, she is gone. What did I even do? I look, while not resplendent, at least moderately acceptable. I have no claws, no overly gaunt features, nothing! I looked tall and imposing, yes, but more like a noble!

  I sigh internally and check my list of 'Things to do/are required'. It seems I aaaam... Clear for the next 48 hours. Good. I download the ship's map, and head to my quarters. It used to be a storage room for the scout barracks, but it had headspace. Not much, mind, but it had some. And from what I see... my room is close to Freshki's. Good. Perhaps our conversation can continue.

  When I finally arive, I wonder what to do first. My room, or conversation... In honesty, I care nothing for my room. Conversation it is! I head to her door as I ponder what to say. When I get there, I politely inform the occupants of my presence.

  A minute later, she opens the door with a scowl. "What do you want? I just got baaaaaa..." her words slowly die off as she pales in fright. She grabs a knife at her belt and draws it.

  "W-what are you doing here..." She stammers.

  "Well, I wished to continue our conversation, miss Zarcono. May I intrude?" I ask.

  "U-uh, n-no. Im... busy..." She states.

  "Are you sure miss Zarcono? I mean no harm." I state.

  I see her twitch, then shudder.

  "GO away you Soulless murder machine! I know what you want! I-I will kill you if you don't! I've year about your kind on forums!" She yells in a panic.

  I stop for a microsecond to contemplate what she said. Forums? Thats... an interesting word... Given her blind panic, hmmm.

  "All is well, miss Zarcono. Calm yourself. Tell me, have you heard of a thing called America?" I ask, looking for any signs of recognition. I see her twitch her hand, her eyes widen.

  She stabs at me. Oh. This is no longer so interesting...