[ IP ] Bounty Hunters

*'' We do n't need their scum. `` * 
 
 If words were venom then Lieutenant Rebecca Chambers' would have killed everyone within earshot. The armor commander stood leaning against a metal pillar, her arms crossed and a snarl working its way to her lips. 
 
 Oleg Federov, the Clifton's Rangers' XO and Beta Lance leader, laughed and spoke in his Russian tinged accent, `` You're forgetting we are a mercenary unit, little dove. We are *their scum. *'' The Tikonov-born MechWarrior looked more like an accountant than a soldier, what with his reedy build, gaunt face and thin wire-frame glasses. But looks were deceiving, and no one who'd faced him on the battlefield made that mistake twice. Lt. Chambers shot him a look. 
 
 `` These are n't real soldiers; they're pirates and brigands. This whole world is a rat's nest of thieves and petty-tyrants,'' she said. 
 
 `` We do n't have a choice,'' said a third voice. It belonged it Captain Nathaniel `` Deadeye'' Deshler, Clifton's Rangers' commander officer. He was in his mid-thirties and a native of the Duchy of Andurien. He piloted an old GRF-3M model *Griffin, * and it was his skill with its long-range weapons loadout that had earned him his moniker. 
 
 `` These native... auxiliaries, they were assigned to us specifically by Imperator Aldrich himself and I can find no reason to doubt his decision.'' 
 
 `` I can,'' replied Chambers bitterly. 
 
 Staff Sergeant Ulrich Green, the closest thing the Rangers had to a senior NCO, gently spoke up. 
 
 `` That's not your decision, Lieutenant. It's the Captain's.'' 
 
 They all knew Rebecca Chambers' reasons for being against the use of former bandits and privateers. There were n't many who'd been taken prisoner by the infamous pirates of the Tortuga Dominions and returned to tell the tale. And she had done so as a child. 
 
 Captain Deshler grinned mournfully, combing fingers through his thick brown hair. `` I wo n't lie. If we had n't been desperate for work I'd have never signed up for this pirate hunting contract. Working with the Marian Hegemony is nauseating enough as it is, but if having these pirates turned thief-takers makes our job quicker and safer then I'll be happy to have them. And if, Becca, that they happen to turncoat once more, then I'll give full privileges to deal with them as you see fit. I just ask you do n't waste your *Vedette's* autocannon ammo on their worthless hides.'' 
 
 Rebecca `` Ironsides'' Chamber smirked, a dangerous thing her fellow Rangers knew. Each man had his own idea of what she'd do to those pirate traitors given the chance. 
 
 Regardless of the image, it was n't a pretty sight.
