War is just another business
In warehouse in the harbor of small town of Green Hills Zone, Marburg scrutinized the area with characteristic intensity. Standing behind him was SIE, her flamboyant demeanor and irreverent smirk a striking counterpoint to his stoic gravitas. Despite their shared allegiance to the VCI, the gulf between their operational philosophies was profound. SIE embodied chaos and destruction, whereas Marburg epitomized meticulous precision and calculated restraint. The tension between them was palpable, an undercurrent of unspoken rivalry that colored their every interaction.
"So," SIE began, her tone laced with mockery as she leaned against a nearby box, her grenade launcher slung nonchalantly over her shoulder, "What are we even doing here anyway? It better not be just for the sights"
Marburg's gaze remained fixed on the town as he commenced his debrief. "Let's begin with GUN. They constitute the closest approximation to an organized military apparatus in Green Hills. Their commander, Abraham Towers, exemplifies the archetype of a by-the-book soldier: disciplined, methodical, and dedicate to the mission."
SIE rolled her eyes theatrically. "Military types love deniable assets and I love the name. We could've sold them on that."
"Not Towers, the men would rather take a walk to the firing squad than even think before hire mercenaries of our caliber" Marburg replied curtly. "That said, they present an indirect opportunity. GUN's storage facilities are replete with advanced weaponry and robotics. A tactical raid on their stockpiles would significantly augment our arsenal and their soldiers can be a good source for recruits"
SIE's grin widened, her voice dripping with anticipation. "You want to pick a fight the military? Who ever though you knew the meaning of fun."
Marburg disregarded her comment, his tone unchanging. "Next, the Restoration. Formerly a guerrilla outfit that rebranded themselves as a citizen militia with a humanitarian bent. Their efforts have garnered widespread public support."
"Militias are always desperate for experienced fighters," SIE interjected. "Bet we could charm them into a good deal."
Marburg shook his head, his voice resolute. "Improbable. Their leadership's ideological stance is incompatible with ours. Any association with the VCI would undermine their credibility. There's no strategic merit in pursuing them."
"Fine," SIE muttered, crossing her arms in exaggerated frustration. "What about the other players? Any juicy contracts in the mix?"
Marburg's expression hardened. "While some opportunities may be lucrative, none align with the strategic objectives I've outlined. Which brings us to the crux of our presence here: Ivo Robotnik, colloquially known as Dr. Eggman."
SIE erupted in laughter, her incredulity evident. "You're kidding. That's his name? Dr. Eggman? How does anyone take this guy seriously?"
Marburg's demeanor remained impassive. "Name notwithstanding, Doctor Robotnik is a warlord in dire straits, having recently reemerged, he is seeking to regain control of his manufacturing facilities that were taken over by another warlord, Zavok, that want his head on the platter. He is having some lucky breaks but this is not something that will last forever without control of his factories and robotiv army. While it is improbable he can remunerate us at market rates at this moment, I propose we render our services pro bono for a limited duration."
SIE's laughter ceased abruptly, replaced by a scowl. "Work for free? This is why we literally travel a sea fill with monsters? Have you lost your mind?"
"It is a calculated gambit," Marburg clarified. "Affiliating with Robotnik will inevitably attract the attention of his adversaries, competitors, third parties and whatever allies he has, thereby amplifying the VCI's visibility and influence in this new world. Once our preliminary engagement concludes, any continuation of our support will necessitate adherence to standard contractual terms."
SIE's grin returned, tempered by lingering skepticism. "Dictators are always a good time. Still, not a fan of the whole 'working for free' angle."
Marburg cast her a sidelong glance, his tone as glacial as ever. "Your preferences are duly noted but ultimately irrelevant. This mission proceeds as planned."
SIE exhaled sharply, her silence a grudging acknowledgment of his authority. Despite their divergent temperaments and methodologies, both operatives recognized the high stakes of this post-Shattering epoch.
The Shattering and it's following months may have destroy much of the VCI but Marbug is nothing if not persistent. After he funded the Veterans Combat Initiative from practically nothing into prominence.
This is child's play compared before and if Robotnik refuse them well...
It's not like the world is short demand in wars.
So this is my idea for a omake the Veterans Combat Initiative is a faction from Alpha Protocol game published by Sega, and to make long story short they are mercenaries that are usually recruit from dishonorable discharge soldiers, thus the comment GUN is a good recruitment pool.
Now I specifically avoid to mention when this will take place so to leave up to the QMs when the VCI would show up in Green Hills if this post omake made cannon.
I am going to a bit of headcannon that Conrad funded the VCI since there's no evidence in games to prove or disprove this claim.
Either way they see Eggman as a way to propel them to prominance in the world thus working for free but is not something unlimited once the trial is done they will demand Eggman hire them or they will seek contract elsewhere and if we are clever we can offer something for them, such as guns since the Shattering and the chaos that follow really did a number on them. However they still could find work elsewhere so theya re not that desperate.