Quite by accident. In order to pay for the ship, we had to take out a ridiculously dangerous mission - running weapons through a blockade in Tau Verde. We were taken captive, but managed to get the jump on them - convinced them that we were part of the Dendarii Free Mercenary Fleet and that we would graciously permit them to join us. From there things snowballed rapidly. We took other ships - took over a space station - broke up the entire blockade. And at the end of it, I was the Admiral of the formerly Oseran Free Mercenaries.

[ He looks over at Mark, seeing the doubt in his face from his initial story. ]

I'm told I'm uniquely gifted at persuading people. A silver tongue, one that has been threatened to be cut out of my mouth on multiple occasions.