Along with the rising prosperity of the LMC, its headquarters continually received upgrades.
Its defensive capabilities improved to the point where it could withstand a surprise from mechs. Its interior design also became more resplendent.
Ves always felt in control while he resided in his office. His company, his headquarters and his office reflected the wealth and power he accumulated since he became a mech designer.
Ever since Gloriana came into his life, he felt as if he was getting further and further away from his modest background. Though he grew rather quickly, his mentality still hadn't entirely caught up with his current level of strength.
His recent rise and change in status increased his confidence.
He dared to confront Senator Tovar directly in order to negotiate a more equal partnership.
He dared to design a mass market mech that exposed the glows of his mechs to a much wider audience.
He dared to design a marksman mech that depended solely on its design spirit to guide its targeting!
Now, Ves faced his latest challenge.
His office descended into silence as Vincent Ricklin arrogantly spread his legs.
Due to his tight black pants, a notable bulge outlined his lower waist.
Eventually, his sycophants rose their fists and hooted.
"WHOOO! Show them what you got, Vince!"
"You're a real man, captain!"
"True men come from Bentheim!"
Vincent Ricklin changed a lot over the years. Yet some things hadn't changed at all. In fact, Vincent's macho traits had grown more pronounced as he used his raw charisma and masculinity as a means to foster popularity.
With the recorder bot and media crew streaming everything on the galactic net, Ves was well aware that Vincent was playing to a crowd.
Unfortunately, that also meant that Ves could not smack Vincent in the face, though he really wanted to. This fellow deliberately made a show out of his demand!
Ves glanced to his girlfriend and became relieved that Gloriana did not react too strongly at Vincent's demand.
Since she student every mech that Ves had ever designed and built, she should have been familiar with the Marc Antony he customized for Vincent.
The only reaction she exhibited was a minor frown. As a classy Hexer, the vulgarity displayed by Vincent completely rubbed her the wrong way.
Perhaps other Hexers might find Vincent's bad boy behavior endearing, but Gloriana held much higher standards.
She noted that Ves paid attention to her and offered him a brief smile. She placed her hand on his as reassurance.
Seeing that Gloriana hadn't been tempted at all by Vincent made Ves pleased. He knew that Vincent would have never attracted her attention since he wasn't a mech designer, but who could tell how women thought?
"Mr. Ricklin." Ves began.
"Captain Ricklin. Well, former captain now." Vincent corrected him while he kept his legs wide and open. "I used to lead my own mech company, you know! Right now, I'm in the process of forming my own mercenary corps! Once you build my custom mech, my Ricklin's Rollers will truly take off! With my invincible Adonis, I'll lead my new band of brothers to fame and fortune!"
"To fame!"
"And fortune!" His goons echoed!
The camaraderie that Vincent enjoyed with his closest comrades surprised Ves quite a bit. While he was unquestionably the leader, he did not adopt a distant and imperious leadership style.
Instead, Vincent came across as one of the lads, but just a bit more exceptional. Ves understood a bit better how this former rebel managed to rise up the ranks within the BLM.
His immediate goals were clear. As one of the many cadre of the former BLM who received amnesty, Vincent had to start anew.
As long as he earned fame and glory in the Sand War, he would probably be able to attract a lot of former members of the former BLM!
The Bentheim Liberation Movement used to employ a lot of mech pilots. Tens of thousands, at the very least.
While their average skill level left much to be desired, many former officers and leaders of the BLM were scrambling to grab these mech pilots for themselves!
Vincent was just one of many former leaders. Though he became a lot more famous over the years, his foundation wasn't as substantial as the leaders who had been with the BLM for decades.
In order to overcome this gap, Vincent clearly aimed to show valor on the battlefield.
Mech pilots often worshipped the strong and brave! As long as Vincent made the right impression, his mercenary corps would probably grow to become a force to be reckoned with! As for what Vincent wanted to do next, Ves had no clue.
Understanding the context behind Vincent's circumstances allowed Ves to comprehend his client's demands.
"Vincent.." He started. "This specific demand of yours is in poor taste."
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