Path to Becoming the Greatest Space Mercenary

"Your offer is generous and I'm grateful that you think so highly of me considering what my partner did to you, but I need some more time to think about this and discuss it with the members of my company before making a decision."

Even after Avery explained his goal and why he wanted Burke to join him, the man could not bring himself to make a definitive choice.

On the one hand, the prospect would allow him to continue being a mercenary, though in a far different fashion from what he was used to.

Avery's ambition was also grand. Burke had dreamed of growing his own force since he started putting his band of mercenaries together years ago. Yet, recent events with Doyle had put a stop to pretty much any growth. His team had been mostly stagnant thanks to a dip in their reputation.

Remorse was another factor holding Burke back.

No matter what Avery said to try and lessen his guilt, the emotions were still there eating away at him.

There were so many things that Burke regretted that he wondered if he really was cut out to continue being a mercenary.

"That's fine, take what time you need. I'd like an answer before my team leaves the system in four days, but it's not absolutely necessary."

Avery explained to Burke what he was thinking and why he would like to know his decision soon.

Olivia's corvette still had plenty of crew space onboard and bringing on a few of Burke's subordinates now as new members would help to integrate the two groups together since they could act as liaison between them later.

Of course, if this did not happen, it was no real problem at the moment. There were many things that Avery needed to accomplish before he could fully accept Burke and his followers.

With the important part of their meeting together over, Avery invited Burke to stay and unwind, but he declined and excused himself. Apparently, he wanted to meet with the members of his company as soon as possible to tell them about what he and Avery had discussed.

Once Burke was gone, everyone sitting at the table with Avery except for Kaiden turned towards him and started peppering him with questions.

This was the first time any of them had heard about his ultimate ambition and they wanted to know more considering it involved them.

"You really kept that one close to the chest. You never even told me or Jasmine." Kasandra said, poking Avery in a teasing manner while grinning at him.

"I didn't want to bring it up until it was more realistic. I mean, we're going to need a lot more people even if Burke decides to join us, and all my savings are only going to cover about a third of the costs from what I've estimated."

"As far as additional personnel, I'm not sure if any of us have connections that can be much help. But for the purchase you have planned, I would not mind using some of my own money to chip in. After this last job, I almost have more than I know what to do with." Ezra said supportively.

Everyone else chimed in stating that they would help as well. Avery did not need to eat this exponent cost on his own.

However, he shook his head and refused to accept their help. He wanted to be the sole owner of the item he planned to buy.

"All of you should use your own money on what you want instead. If that involves the growing our force, I'm all for it."

Seeing that Avery was going to be obstinate on this issue, the others merely shrugged their shoulders and moved on. Avery was a lot closer to his goal at this point than he thought he would be, but it was still a great distance away. For now, they had more pressing matters to attend to.

"Now, we've lost nearly a week thanks to that bastard Doyle, so we should probably rearrange our schedule and the route we planned to take to the capital system." Avery said, setting up a holo-display at the table and pulling up a map of the Dramid Alliance.

…

The next four days went by in a flash for Avery and his team.

After such an intense battle it was only right that they all received some time to relax and enjoyed some leisure activities at the same facility they had celebrated their successful Jallla hunt at. Although this time they did not spend quite as lavishly.

During these days, Avery and the other captains of his team dealt with the formal procedures of the aftermath of the attack on them.

This required numerous calls to the top officer of the Alliance Police in the Etania System and the reginal manager of the mercenary association.

Fortunately, as Burke had said, he did everything he could to make the process go smoothly.

As for whether the man and what remained of his company was going to join up with Avery's group, the answer was still up in the air.

Whenever they talked, Burke only told Avery that he needed more time. Which was fine. It just meant that the plan to integrate some of his members was going to be further down the line.

"I guess it's time that we pack up and go. I'm sure that Burke will make his choice at some point." Avery said to his team, a hint of disappointment in his tone.

Except, just he led the way into the hangar where his group's ships were parked, he found Burke disembarking from his own. Having recently had the damage Doyle inflicted on it fixed.

Alongside him were seven individuals Avery remembered having been by his side when he came to restrain Doyle during the fight in the restaurant.

'Looks like he's made up his mind.'

Avery's lips turned up into a smile since it was already clear what Burke's decision was going to be. Had he planned to refuse, he would have just sent a transmission. But the fact that he had arrived with seven members of his company in tow was essentially proof that he was going to accept Avery's offer.

"I'm glad to see you again before we leave. Have you had enough time to think about what we discussed?" Avery asked, a knowing look on his face.

"Yes, I have. It was not easy to come to this decision, but I'd be grateful if you allowed me to join your ranks. Most of my subordinates agreed that it was the only way for us to avoid completely dissolving as a group and I agreed as well. If you still want us, you'll have a hundred eleven new members for your team."

Burke outstretched his hand towards Avery, a show of his acceptance of the deal they had made.

Naturally, since he was the one that brought the proposal forward, Avery had no objections and the two shook hands. Unofficially sealing the deal.

"Now, why don't you introduce the people you brought with you. I'm assuming that they're the ones that are going to be joining Olivia's crew on an interim basis." Avery said, glancing towards the seven people standing behind Burke.