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It took some time, but the commotion of the interstellar blimp landing had spread like wildfire. The phones at Moriarty's were constantly ringing, and the police were beginning to panic. Dante finished off a bottle, “I forgot how much common people overreact to things like this.”

An hour or so later and the door opened up. Zed was wearing a brown uniform with brass-colored trim, and an emblem of a gear on the left of her chest. A large coat sat on top, making her narrow frame appear larger than it actually was. Her two bodyguards were wearing similar uniforms, though less elaborate and with a few pieces of armor tucked away. Yami was hiding behind one of them, the taller and more muscular guard, “So this is where you've been.” She shifted her weight and put her hands on her hips, making her mechanical arm and leg stand out more.

“Not like I've been hiding all that well. Sit.” Tilly stood up so that Zed could take a seat.

“Sere's been bawling her eyes out nonstop from what I hear.”

“Good kid, a bit of a soft touch outside of her workshop though.” Dante poured Zed a drink, “Neat uniform.”

“Things have changed.” She lifted the glass, put one leg over her knee, and leaned back, “That Kiya of yours, good cook. She and Jill decided that we should have some official uniforms. Gotta stand out, ya know?”

“Looks nice.”

Zed took a sip, “Let's get you home, alright?”

Dante chugged his drink, “They can come get me if they really want to. I'm not done being someone else.”

Zed sighed, “Listen, we know why you did what you did, okay? We get it. Took us a while, but... yeah. I know I couldn't live with myself. Point is, they need you. You're their anchor, their leader. Hell, the father figure they need. Not to mention that your little Ratchet and violent Vicky are on edge. Trying to get a word to them is a pain. Oh, wait.”

“Excuse me. I'm Officer Dickson, I'm in charge of this district, and, uh, well... do you... not want to shoot us?” He was scared, shivering in fear.

“No plans to.”

Dickson's head collapsed onto the the table, “Thank the gods...”

Tilly put up a hand to keep Layla quiet, “So, more mercenaries. You've worked with Dante. Is he really as bad as he makes it seem?”

“You haven't told them? The infamous Beast, most feared man in the galaxy, destroyer of nations. If you believe some. To others he's a hero. He's been alright to me and the others so far. Saved an entire colony once, that I know about.”

Dante dismissed the conversation, “So why were you in the area anyway? Thought you mostly stuck to the port.”

Zed looked around at the terrified and intrigued patrons, “I'd prefer to talk in private if you don't mind.” One of her bodyguards handed her a large umbrella, “Outside.”

Dante followed Zed, taking cover under her umbrella while the torrential downpour continued. A few steps into the parking lot was enough to drown out the noise and keep prying ears at bay, “About Sere I assume. First thing you mentioned to me after all.”

“Yeah. Not really... a romantic type. You know her. She respects you. Do you have any advice?”

“Such simple people. Listen, Sere's like you. Great with tech, but that's about it. Outside of her safe zone she knows nothing. Just as nervous as you from what I can tell. Just be honest with her, find a project and work on it together. Develop a new weapon, a new shielding for ships, a new engine type, anything. Engineers are good with that sort of thing. Improve something.”

The smell of the rain was refreshing. Zed happened to have short brown hair, slightly darker than her fur. Curious that Dante would notice that for the first time, “Right, sounds reasonable.” She looked up, “One more thing. Liasteri sent an advocate to your ship for joining her New Order. Or something. Not privy to the details. Heard he doesn't fit in though. Acting captain hates him.”

“Who's acting?”

“Your Angel has taken on a bit of a rough personality. Would make you proud I bet.”

Dante shrugged, “Could be. I'll believe it when I see it. Lets get inside. Your umbrella isn't working all that well.”

“Agreed.” She was smiling, but still kept something secret.

Inside, only Tilly and Layla remained. The other officers left to go file their report. The wolves were special reserve backup, for what little value that brought to the force, so any reports would be handled by the officer in command. The law was relaxed in this country, “Now that you're done kissing and making up, mind introducing us?”

Dante lazily pointed at Zed, “She's a captain of another ship, works with me on occasion. Got a thing for one of my crew. Not as dangerous as me, but a hell of a lot smarter.”

“Wolfieeee...” Layla whispered something to Tilly.

“I know, but that's rude.”

No doubt it was about the mechanical limbs, which at a glance only seemed to be damaged limbs. Layla was, in a way, the sniper of the group, so her eyes were more perceptive, “Guess I get to wait for the Albatross to fly over and pick me up.”

“The what?”

“My ship.” Dante sat down, “Full of the craziest people you could ever find.”

The music popped on in the back again, an old jukebox, and for the most part the patrons returned to eating and drinking. Zed put down her communicator, “I'd give it a day or so before they get here. Assuming Angel doesn't launch the advocate into the vast void of nothingness, you'll have that headache to deal with.”

Dante rolled his eyes, “Wonderful. Any info?”

“Should we...” Tilly appeared nervous, “Be hearing any of this?”

“Doesn't bother me. So? Zed?”

“Rabbit, some rich aristocrat. Loves lording his influence over everyone. Got a communication that said he may have tried something with Kiya, but Ratchet put him in his place. Been trying to get into your quarters and complaining about no free access to your ship. Sounds like a pleasure.”

“In the immediate, did Yami get her finder's fee?” Zed nodded while taking another sip, “Good. Maybe offer her a trip to see Dorset. She sure as hell can't come on my ship. Weird girl. It'll keep her from chatting up your guys.” A day from now he would be back in the mix, fighting nameless enemies on and off the battlefield. Since Liasteri was adamant about him joining her New Order, which was never agreed upon, arguing with her and her advocates would be quite a shock compared to his relatively quiet and peaceful life, “I'll be ready by morning. Angel knows the Albatross better than anyone. Hell, she WAS the Albatross for a while.”

“Wolfieee...”

“I don't know, Layla. I just don't know.”

Dante took a sip of his own drink, “Probably best you don't. Not relevant to anything you'll have to deal with in your lifetime. Though if you get approval I could be a weapons advisor for you.”

Zed looked around, “Hey! Gimme a burger!” She returned her attention to the table, “Doing stuff for free? Guess you really liked it here. I'm already saving up some credits to get you to train my people.”

“Weapons are easy. Training costs.”

Tilly smiled, “I would love for you to show me how to pick a gun. This revolver won't handle all that automatic fire. Layla needs a better rifle, too.”

“Might as well head out now. The rain won't keep up forever and I have to enjoy the little bit of sleep I'll get. Nothing but work ahead of me.”

“It can't be that baaaadddd.”

“Yes, blue wolf, it can.” Dante collapsed backwards into his chair, allowing his limbs and neck to loosen, “Nothing but shouting at idiots and reading communications, broken up by the occasional job.”

“Speaking of,” Zed interjected, “I do have something I could use your help with, when you're ready that is. Can't rely on my brother for this one.”

“Was Gaffer helpful for any serious jobs?” The waitress brought over Zed's meal, “As far as I can tell he'd sell out anyone just for an easier life.”

Zed closed her eyes and lowered the tone of her voice, “I want to be upset at that comment, but I can't. You're right. He's soft and weak. That's why I can't rely on him for this.”

“Sounds fun. Let me take a few guesses.” Dante relaxed his posture as the wolves stared in disbelief at how casual this conversation was, “Kidnapping and... raiding.” Zed was at a loss for words, “I'm good with this sort of thing. I'll do it at soon as we're airborne.”

“So... Mr. Dante. About that weapon lesson...”

“Rain sounds like it's dying down, so I don't see a reason we can't. Zed, best of luck to you. Stay in touch.” Dante stood up and left quickly with the wolves, seeing that the rain was indeed stopping. Only a light drizzle remained, “Any idea where to start? I haven't had a need to shop for a gun.”

“Oh uh... no...”

“Wolfieeee... there are no shops...”

Dante sighed, “Fine, just... find me in my home later on. I think the police would be able to do that, correct? I have to go bag my things. Don't take too long. My people don't like to be late.”

The evening was quiet. A bit of simple rice and meat for dinner and an hour of packing. His combat armor was easily condensed, and when he looked around he found little he would be taking with him. His life was plain, boring, uninspired, and wonderful. A shame he wouldn't get to live like this any longer.

…...........................................

With a large overstuffed military bag on his back, he locked his door behind him and looked up into the sky. It was a few minutes past the break of dawn, and on the weekend most people slept in. That is until word of a large, beautiful spaceship gets to them. Children and adults alike looked up in disbelief, not just at two spaceships in two days but the sheer sight of the Albatross glistening against the morning sun. The chrome exterior was kept in good shape since the short war.

Dante knew that he would be found, but finding the landing spot would be easier. No doubt it would be near Zed's blimp, so that meant he was in for a little hike. He sighed again and starting making his way to the town square.

Just short of his destination, and after a half hour walk, a police cruiser stopped next to him. The wolf sisters and Dickson were inside, “Mister Dante, are you heading towards that ship?”

“Yep.”

“Would you like a lift? You'll arrive faster and maybe be able to quell the unrest.”

“Simpletons...” He joined the three and the drive was indeed easier. When they arrived at the open field he had to retrieve his things from the trunk.

Zero Unit was lined up outside of the Albatross, wearing black uniforms with silver trim. Even a silver badge with the crossed out “0” was added. Small black berets were on their heads, but they appeared too solid to be made of cloth. At the sight of Dante, they all saluted.

Dickson was wary, even the other officers in the area meant to keep the crowds calm were having trouble understanding the situation.

Dante casually walked forward, “Do you know them?” Tilly asked, Layla was clinging to her arm in fear, though the red wolf wasn't as brave as she appeared.

Dante glanced at the Albatross, “Yeah. That ship's mine. Those morons are my unit.” Even Kiya, the reluctant passenger, was in uniform. A skirt over pants to fit her snakelike lower body, but other than that a perfect fit. Sere was wearing overalls dyed to the new colors, and she held a folded up uniform with a captain's hat on top. She slowly marched forward, as did Ratchet and Victoria.

With a calm hand, Sere reached up (and Dante bent down) so that she could put the hat on his head. Tears filled her eyes, “Welcome back, captain.”

He nodded in return as Victoria took his bag and Ratchet put a large overcoat onto Dante. It was like Zed's in that it was meant to go over a uniform without wrinkling anything. Rugged too, “Seeing as how none of you killed each other, I'd say you did quite well.”

Angel spoke out, bizarrely out of her usual monotone, “Front and center! Give the captain a proper greeting!” Her long hair was braided in a way to resemble a helmet covering the back, side, and top of her head. Fitting for her new drill instructor attitude, “Welcome back sir, everything is as you left it. Awaiting orders, sir.”

“Like the personality, but I guess it's my turn to be the bad guy again.” He turned to the three officers which had escorted him, “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Dickson fumbled with some paperwork, “Uh, you see, here, uh,” Angel somehow dashed over and snatched the papers away, reading them in an instant, “Oh...”

“Captain, this officer wants permission to assign two units to you for the purposes of intense training for a period of several months. What is your order?”

“Already with this... pull your own weight, pay attention, and don't question my orders. Is that understood?” The wolves nodded immediately, stunned by Dante's new commanding tone, “I believe we have a room available, so you'll have to share. The other is being used as storage.”

A cough came from the direction of the Albatross, and Dante instinctively drew Anima and pointed at the rabbit. Red robes, cocky expression, white fur, and a tablet, “About time you noticed. I expected more. When you're done with the commoners, we have business to discuss.”

“Captain, he is from Liasteri. His goal is to get us to join her New Order. I was only acting captain, I had no authority.”

“We fly free. The only reason I didn't shoot is because I like this planet. Everybody on the ship, get me caught up. Later we're helping Zed.” The extended stairs were much more pleasant than the ladder, and onboard he didn't even have to struggle to find the way to the bridge.

His comfortable captain's chair was waiting for him, and he didn't want to keep it lonely. He sat down as the others came onboard, “Captain Dante, pressing matters. First, the two new trainees are to be assigned to a room. They have agreed to share and Kiya doesn't mind making a little extra food. Your training regimen begins when you decide it will. Second, Kiya is requesting to be made a permanent member of Zero Unit.”

The rabbit coughed to get attention, but Dante ignored him, “Kiya, is that right?”

She nodded, “I didn't understand at first, but they told me why you did what you did. I'd like to visit my home now and then, but I think you are a good person and you are willing to sacrifice for the good of your people. Please let me join! I can't fight but I can continue to cook and clean!”

“Done. Next order of business.”

“Just like that. You agreed. What sort of inbred are you? Not even a discussion! I must bring this up to Liasteri after you sign these forms. You know, from what she said I was expecting a man of legend. A man that could make the mighty Liasteri think twice. But no. All I see is a punk. A low class punk.”

“Angel, anything else of importance?”

“Not in particular, sir.” Her normal tone set back in.

“Dante, this asshole has been using the empty room. What do you want us to do?” Chey asked.

Dante looked at the smug rabbit, “He's an uninvited guest. Either put him in a broom closet or a cell. Speaking of, get David up here.”

Zero Unit enduring the rabbit's incessant nagging while Kiya fetched David, “I knew you weren't dead.”

“You got fat.”

“With Kiya's cooking and a lack of a track, what did you expect?”

Dante reached into his pocket at tossed his keys to David, “Take it. Little home on West Germa. Time you retired and settled down anyway.”

“I... don't know what to say. Thank you. How will I find it?”

“People are helpful here. Now get going. You've spent enough time on this ship.” Dante had his reasons, but they were his and his alone. David nodded and slowly left the ship, “One thing down.”

“This is absurd! I refuse to surrender my room to these amateurs of low breeding!” Dante was having enough and stood up, “Oh? You think that I'm afraid of you? You wouldn't DARE touch me. The New Order would wipe you from existence in the slowest way possible.”

The rabbit was smug, so smug that Dante only had one option. He delivered a jab to the nose, not hard enough to knock the rabbit unconscious but enough to cause maximum pain. He dropped to the ground with panic and fear in his eyes, “Take him to a cell. Separate him from the Keeper, I assume she's still here. Angel, I have a few choice words for Liasteri.”

Layla was in shock, but Tilly was able to manifest words, “Uh, sorry to interrupt, but what are we doing? I'm so confused.”

“Jill, you're good with this sort of thing. Get them oriented. We'll get them to the armory and shooting range when we're in transit. Angel?”

“Opening line of communication. Connected. On screen.”

Liasteri, the infamously busty ruler of the Bloody Legion and now the New Order, appeared on a flat screen in red and gold ceremonial clothing. She was wearing enough to go into public without causing a scene for perhaps the first time in her adult life, “Dante, I really am glad you're safe.”

Dante rested his head on his fist, “Tell me why that as I return to my ship I find a major thorn that just likes to stick me in the sides.”

She shut her eyes, “I... we all really need you to join us. Working together, nobody would dare challenge us. And contrary to Frederick's vernacular, you wouldn't be yet another cog. You would be on equal standing with myself.”

“How many times... I'm not interested. I'm an ally at best. I have no interest in joining another large group.”

Liasteri sighed, “I understand. But please consider it over time. That's all I ask. Is Frederick there?”

“I punched him and locked him up. You can pick him up whenever we dock somewhere.”

“Incoming communication from Captain Zed.”

Dante looked at the remaining members of Zero Unit who had yet to leave the bridge, “We've got work to do people. Let's get at it.”