Chapter 609 - 609 Six Star Mercenary

"You've really come up in the galaxy Avery. Last time we met, you were still a relatively new five star mercenary getting yourself into trouble, and now, less than two years later, you've risen up to be the leader of a formidable fleet and a six star mercenary. Though it seems that your penchant for trouble hasn't changed."

Avery just shrugged his shoulders in response to the grinning vice guild master sitting across from him.

Sarkych, the same high-ranking official within the Mercenary Association who had met with Avery and his team last time they were in the cpatial system was the one processing and making official Avery's rank advancement.

Thankfully, this meeting was less tense than last time since they were not dealing with the fallout of Avery deathmatch with Burke's former compatriot Doyle, or the plots of people that were targeting Avery for revenge.

"I honestly can't believe that you got Fiend Hunter Zefield to vouch for you. He's only every recommended one other captain for a rank advancement before, and that Adorable Menace Quokka." Sarkych said, flashing his razor-sharp reptilian teeth in a vicious looking grin.

Avery almost laughed at hearing Quokka's epithet, and said, "I didn't even know she had a nickname. Though Adorable Menace definitely fits her."

"Yes, well, just don't let her hear you say that. A five star mercenary who thought himself a bit of a hotshot once said something pretty similar to her and ended up hospitalized. She's not a big fan of the moniker, which is probably why you haven't heard it before. Also, if you ever do run into her, you didn't hear about it from me."

"Of course, if we're talking about nicknames, you've had a few floating around yourself. And one appears to be sticking around after a few cycles."

Sarkych did not say anything else after this, clearly wanting Avery to ask for more details himself.

However, instead, he just moved on.

"So, this is everything is everything I need to sign right? Then I can start using the new perks that come with my new rank. Like sending out sector wide recruitment and direct requests to other mercenaries the same or lower rank." Avery said, not taking the bait Sarkych was dangling in front of him.

"Yes." Sarkych sighed since Avery sidestepped the topic of his own nickname. "Though, those are some fairly specific examples you mentioned. Are you planning something big? Perhaps heading back to fight in the war with a larger fleet at your side. I'm sure that there are plenty of mercs that would be ecstatic to attach themselves to our newest six star."

"That's not it. I'm staying far away from that mess. My team and I have had our share of fighting between two major powers. Plus, I think that Zatis Consortium really wants me dead. There's a bit too big of a target on my back."

"Ah, that is true. I read the report. They dispatched an entire armada to finish you off. Luckily the reinforcements from Commander Gunvald managed to arrive in time."

The two of them chatted a bit more with Sarkych asking Avery more about his work, while Avery asked the retired six star mercenary veteran for any advice or warnings about his new rank.

"Don't feel shy about making use of your status to make new connections or reinforce old ones. There's a lot more prestige that comes with being a six star than you might think. Also, you've got that fancy new award that basically proves you can get the job done, and do it well."

"Being a five star mercenary means that your personal skills and ability have been recognized as exemplary. Becoming a six star tells everyone that you're a force to be respected and feared. Make sure that you let everyone you deal with know this. We've had some up-and-comers in the past who couldn't quite measure up to what being a six star stands for. Not that I think that you'll have any issues there."

Sarkych gave out some more general advice to Avery, making sure that Avery knew how important it was to utilize the dedicated six star network.

Every six star mercenary had access to it, and it was a good way to make connections and trade information directly.

Sometimes even seven stars would get on to find extra help nearby to recruit for especially tough jobs.

"Thanks, I'll keep all of that in mind. Although, I'm probably not going to be doing any work for a while. My team's ships are a bit busted up and need repairs, and my crew could use a vacation. Being undercover deep into enemy territory takes a lot out of people." Avery said, momentarily letting his façade drop and letting some of his weariness through.

"I understand. I'll make sure to put your company's status as inactive until you send the word in otherwise. You've certainly earned a break."

"It's a shame though. We've already been getting inquiries from people looking to hire your services. Taking a few of them definitely would have been good for both you and the Association."

"Sorry, I'm not going to be persuaded. There are other mercenaries can take the work these interested parties have. As you probably already know, I just got paid a substantial amount of Krenin. Money's not an issue right now, so work's not a priory." Avery said, leaning back in his chair in a relaxed manner.

"I've heard a lot of mercs say that before. Normally the ones that have been hanging around as two stars for a few years and show no signs of advancing. Except that they always end up scrambling for jobs once they're out of money and can't afford food, water, and docking fees anymore."

"Well, I guess it's a good thing that I'm a six star now and have plenty of people lining up to offer me jobs if something like that does happen." Avery replied with a smirk.

The conversation between the two of them soon winded down as both of them had other matters to attend to.

While Avery might not have been planning on taking any mercenary work for some time, that did not mean there was not a lot on his plate.

He needed to make a visit to Storren Corp.'s main shipyard to get the Intrepid repaired and upgrade nearly all of his company's vessels.

After that, it was about time he figured out more about his psionic abilities. And he was hoping the emblem Zefield had given him would lead him to someone that could help.