Path to Becoming the Greatest Space Mercenary

Avery could not help but chuckle a bit now that everything was over.

It had been one thing after another since the Odium Syndicate set their sights on his team because he let Grito join them.

He knew that things were going to be rough, but the criminal organization and their collaborators on Azade had gone above and beyond just to kill a single individual. Honestly Avery had not anticipated how much trouble it was going to be.

Nevertheless, the ringleaders were now captured, and it was unlikely that there would be any more major attempts on Grito's life.

Undoubtedly, they still wanted him dead, but by this point, it had already been proven that killing him just was not worth the effort. Avery could only imagine the hundreds of millions of Krenin that had already been wasted just to eliminate a single Baccigan.

"Avery, do you mind if we go help quell the protestors and apprehend the remaining operatives those two have lurking about?" Jasmine asked, her expression concerned.

They had only been hired to help apprehend Senator Fena and her confidant Fargus, but now that they had, it left them free to act.

Still, just because the perpetrators had been detained, that did not automatically stop the chaos they had created.

If things were going according to plan, things should have been settling down soon. Of course, Avery could understand Jasmine's concern. While she may have once runaway from Azade, the planet was still her home. Especially since she had patched things up with her mother.

"Sure, I don't see why they wouldn't want our assistance. It's never bad to have more manpower in situations like this."

To ease Jasmine's concern, Avery contacted the top-ranking member of Azade's Keepers of the Peace that was in charge of the ongoing operation and got their permission to help.

Soon, Avery was leading his team as a strike force to apprehend any of the hostiles scattered about the courthouse and locate any protestors that might have managed to slip past the area that had purposefully been opened up for them to occupy.

By the end of the day, everything had settled down quite a bit, and while complete order had not been restored, the worst had already passed.

…

The next day, in large part due to Regina's influence, Avery and his entire team found themselves attending a private celebration party in Azade's cpatial to reward their efforts.

They were the only ones there, and a buffet of high-quality food and a truly mindboggling selection of drinks had been provided.

"And we really don't have to pay for any of this?" Havanna asked, stunned by the immaculate spread of food in front of them.

"Nope, the chancellor hooked us up. She's paying for all of this as a thanks for the work we did." Olivia replied.

"Woohoo! Jasmine, your mom's the best!"

Havanna then ran off towards the buffet and started stacking a plate high with food from the buffet.

After everything all of them had been through over the last couple of weeks, it was good to have this moment to unwind and let loose.

No one was holding back.

Ezra was currently in one corner of the room having a drinking competition with Kaiden and some of the other guys that were a part of Olivia's crew.

While the others had broken off into groups of two or three and were enjoying the food and the entertainment being provided.

As for Avery, he was currently standing back and watching. Taking in the sight of his team enjoying themselves.

At first, he had been a bit worried that the newest members might not mesh well with the original members, but it seemed that their comradery was strong, and his worries had been for nothing.

'I guess that everyone that joined us is tough. I'm glad that they've been able to bounce back after what they've been through.' Avery thought, happy to see everyone having fun.

Of course, since he was standing back and just watching, that meant that he was not taking part in the festivities. And two individuals quickly noticed his absence.

"What are you doing back here? How can this be a party if our leader isn't joining in?"

"Yeah! You need to join us! Otherwise, it's not going to be any fun."

Both Kasandra and Jasmine came over to grab Avery, and it was clear that they were both a little drunk. Though, in Jasmine's case, it might have actually been a lot. She was far more outgoing and louder than usual.

Without offering any resistance, Avery allowed himself to be dragged off by the two of them and soon became the center of the celebration.

For several hours the party went on uninterrupted, but a surprise visitor eventually made an appearance.

Ciphilolia walked into the room, easily bypassing the security considering the entire event had been set up by Jasmine's mother.

Noticing her arrival, Avery knew that something must have been up, and even in his inebriated state from excessive drinking, he had the wherewithal to do his job as the boss of his group and see what was up.

"The chancellor wishes to speak with you, and her daughter. Would you and Lady Jasmine accompany me." Ciphilolia said, stating her business.

Considering that Regian was the one that had prepared and paid for this party, Avery could hardly refuse the invitation.

However, when he glanced over at Jasmine and saw her dancing wildly while everyone else cheered her on, he was unsure if either of them were currently in any condition to meet with someone so important. Even if it was an informal meeting.

"I think we might need a bit of time to sobber up first."

"That will not be an issue. I've already prepared medicine that will eliminate any inebriation. By the time we reach the chancellor, all of the alcohol will be purged from your system." Ciphilolia said.

With a shrug of his shoulders, Avery went over and grabbed Jasmine. Except, someone else latched onto him as well and would not let go of him.

"If Avery and Jamine are going, then I am too." Kasandra whined childishly. Her inhibitions lowered by her drunken state.

Ciphilolia let out an exasperated sigh at this development as Kasandra clung to Avery and would not let him go.

After a quick message to her boss, she received permission to bring Kasandra along as well, and escorted the three of them to the vehicle waiting outside of the building.

Once they had drank a large glass of water and swallowed a pill that neutralized alcohol, the three of them felt themselves sobering up quickly.

Both Kasandra and Jasmine started to blush as they recalled how they had been acting in their drunken states, and Avery had to comfort them and reassure them that everything was fine for a few minutes before they calmed down.

Since they were already close by, the trip to the chancellor's estate did not take long.

Unlike the first time they visited, security around them was far laxer, and after just a quick scan to make sure none of them had any weapons, they were brought directly to Jasmine's mother.

She was waiting for them in the same lounge that they had met in before, but this time there was a more relaxed air about her.

"I'm sorry to have interrupted your party, but there were some matters that I wished to speak with you about." Regina said, beckoning them to sit down across from her.

When Avery, Jasmine, and Kasandra took their seats, Ciphilolia expertly placed some tea in front of them, and Regina began telling them about what she wanted to discuss.

"I suppose first I should thank and congratulate you for a job well done. Your team has proven pivotal in resolving several issues plaguing Azade. For that I am incredibly grateful."

Jasmine's mother went on to explain that the Odium Syndicate was a major problem in the Cocarro System.

The drugs they peddled had not become too prevalent yet, but there was steady rise in their use as more of the illicit product was smuggled in.

Now that all of the high-ranking collaborators working with the illegal organization had been rounded up and were set to be tried for their crimes soon, it would become much more difficult for the drugs to be disrupted.

"This whole mess has also helped me to consolidate power around the world. The quick and decisive action it took scored me some points among most of the senators. Plus, a lot of them are afraid that I might come after them like I did Senator Fena if they step out of line. If things go well, I should be able to make Azade prosper even more."

Regina continued to express her gratitude by offering Avery's team a bonus. She had hired them to assist with the defense of the courthouse, and she had paid Olivia, Havanna, and Rorson for their work during their investigation.

Naturally, the favor that they were receiving was mostly thanks to Jasmine. Normally the head of an entire planet would not be so accommodating to a small mercenary band like Avery's.

Still, he was not going to say no to extra money and graciously accepted the bonus Regina wanted to give them. He felt that in some ways this was more her looking out for her daughter but that was fine as far as Avery was concerned.

With her thanks out of the way, Regina informed them of everything that had been uncovered after Senator Fena and Fargus' arrest.

Several of the Odium Syndicate's bases on the planet and within the system had been uncovered, and a concentrated raid was already underway. It would not be long until the organization was nearly wiped out from the region.

"As for your team member Grtio, we'll still need him to testify, but I don't think that you'll have to worry about any more attempts on his life. Oh, and the trial has already been rescheduled for ten days from now. You'll probably receive an official notice of this in a few days, but I figured that I might as well inform you ahead of time."

For a bit longer, Regina informed them about the state of the planet in the aftermath of what happened and what they should be expecting going forward.

Once she was finished with that topic though, Jasmine's mother moved on to what she really wanted to talk about.

"Your group has really impressed me. Most mercenaries aren't as competent and hard working as all of you are. And I feel that I can certainly trust all of you considering my daughter is a member of your team. So, I was wondering what your immediate plans are. I might have some more work for you, if you're interested."