I smirk at the name. ‘Brass Devil’ huh? I’m slightly bothered by the fact that, even in this technologically advanced civilization they just used ‘Brass’ but hey, it sounds decently cool. I dismiss the colony mayor with a hand, to signal for him not to worry about it.

“It’s alright, I don't mind at all” I say to him.

He breathes with relief, turning around and saying something to a man that was close to him, and the man in turn gives some instructions to other people inside the tent, who, after opening a chest after scanning one of their hands, bring out something akin to a burlap sack and place it directly at my feet, bowing to me after they do so.

I look at them, and then at the mayor, hoping for an explanation.

“It’s our gift to you and your crew, it’s nothing too valuable but our hearts would be heavy if we parted ways without giving you something” He said with a smile. He and his people had that same smile as they looked at us.

I turn around and see that the other soldiers didn’t expect this either, as their expression was that of surprise.

“We don’t want to burden the colony, it’s not necessary”

“It’s not because it’s necessary but because we wish to do so” He replied instantly.

Being at a loss for words, I could only accept it reluctantly with a slow nod of my head. He delighted that I conceded, spreading his arms in joy.

“Great! It’s not something valuable to us, one of the conditions we received when we started this colony was that we needed to provide the Union with a type of nut that grows on the nearby forest; it’s supposed to enhance the resistance to technomancy backlash, but the details are unknown to us”

My eyes opened up instantly. If that was the effect of the content of the sack, it was invaluable, even myself with my limited understanding of the present economy could deduce that. I heard mumbles from the crew so I knew that they were as surprised.

The old man Arven saw that and just denied it with his head.

“It’s only valuable to a technomancer and we have no one like that here, also, the production of this has been going on for some time now so it isn’t a novelty either... Also, we can always say that the Avatar of Mh’ithrha destroyed it '' He added a wink at the end, after which I chuckled. I liked this type of man, the universe would be a better place with more people like that.

“We’ll accept it gladly mister Bast”

“Just Arven, Commander...well, i’m sure you have a lot on your hands and i don’t want to distract you any longer, as i’ve already said all that i wanted to say”

He reached with his hand for a handshake, and I happily obliged. We left the tent short after, returning to the military tent where I initially was. They were finishing the cleaning of the cocoon I was in and the small puddle of mucus or whatever it was that covered me. The good thing was that it evaporated quickly, as it had almost disappeared from my body at this point. I was dying to get a bath at this point, but there was something i had to do first.

“Santángel”

“Yes ma’am” He said instantly, right behind me.

“Please gather the troops here, ASAP”

“Yes ma’am!”

He rushed off to comply with my order. In no more than ten minutes, there were thirty three people, including me, inside the tent. Their eyes were fixed on me, as I stood above a military crate to get a better view of everyone. I saw them eyeing up my implants, and I couldn't blame them. I had yet to see someone with a Tracer for an eye, or someone with three quarters of their limbs made of metal.

“Soldiers!” I exclaimed, making them all stand firm. Good to know I've still got the knack for projecting my voice.

“As you’ve already learned, I am Lilith Zsofia, Commander of the Stellar Union of Mankind, and i’ve been assigned as your commanding officer on the Sleipnir stationed above… First of all, congratulations on a job well done defending the colony, you have made me proud in record time so we’re off to a good start”

They are somewhat confused by my kind of informal way of speaking, but gradually their faces brighten at the praise. But, there’s more to say so i can’t waddle right now.

“Second! If you don’t know, then i’ll tell you. I’ve been frozen in time for a hundred years, and i originally was a Lieutenant from the United Nations of Earth, i almost died fighting rachnids, and the Dominion Corporation restored me with tin cans and spit and here i am now. You might have objections of being led by a corporation doll or by a century old fucking bitch, but you are stuck with me for the time being… you’ve got ten seconds to deal with it”