SWNOVELXO Chapter 146 Recruitment Effort (2)
Both Avery and Grito were shocked to see Vi'ivando pressing so hard for his nephew to join Avery's band of mercenaries.
Normally you would expect such a close family member to be supportive of their kin's feelings and decisions, but Vi'ivando had gone so far as to call Grito a fool for passing up on this opportunity.
'I suppose he believes that this is best for his nephew. While it would make the Odium Syndicate our enemy, that would mean that Grito had strong allies to defend him. The Alliance Police already failed to protect him once and forced him to flee due to threats on his life. If Grito wants any semblance of a normal life going forward, he absolutely needs protection.' Avery thought, speculating on what Vi'ivando was thinking.
Of course, he was all for Grito joining him. He had seen the young Baccigan's skills up close and knew that Grito was inventive. He was perfect for keeping their ships running in good order and possibly even improving some of their systems.
"I can understand why you don't want to put me or my team at risk, but there's really nothing to worry about. We're more than ready to face whatever the Odium Syndicate throws at us to get to you. Plus, if they come at us, that just means more money for us. I'm sure the Alliance Police would be happy to pay for getting rid of such an organization's members, and any ships they send at us will be ours to strip for parts and equipment once we take them down. There won't be any problems and none of us will resent you if we get into trouble a little more often because of you."
After Avery gave his final push, Grito sat in silence thinking about the offer presented to him and his uncle's words.
As he tried to go through the pros and cons of the situation, it was mostly benefits. The only major issue was the Odium Syndicate that wanted him dead, but Avery had already assured him that this would not be a problem. Continuing to refuse because of it would only be an excuse.
"Do I really deserver something like this?" Grito mumbled to himself.
Deep down he was guilty for everything he had done. For several years he had helped a group of drug smugglers poison people in the Dramid Alliance. He may not have been directly involved with any of the organization's illicit operations, but he had certainly helped to facilitate them.
"That's something you'll have to decide for yourself. Of course, if you don't feel that it's the path for you, it's not like I'm going to force you to stick with me. You'd be free to leave when you want." Avery said, having heard Grito's mutterings.
When he looked up at his uncle's and Avery's faces, all he saw was reassurance in their expressions. As reluctant as he had been, they were still both hoping that he would join up with Avery.
"Fine, I'll do it. I'll become your team's engineer. I promise that I won't let you down."
With Grito's affirmation, Avery smiled and welcomed the newest member of his team.
"Now that that matter is settled, there is something else that I wanted to discuss with you." Vi'ivando said, looking intently at Avery.
"Sure, what is it."
Avery sat up straighter in his chair and waited for Vi'ivando to divulge what he wanted to say.
"Well, the Odium Syndicate has put a target on my back as well. Plus, I'm certain that Iniquus was not working alone, and he's still got some coconspirators out there. I don't want to get caught up in another mess, so I was hoping that you'd take me somewhere. Right now, I don't think I can trust any public transports, but staying here won't be good for me either."
Vi'ivando disclosed that he was hoping to head to the capital system where he had some acquaintances that could help protect him. He had not wanted to do this before since it meant taking a job at a private company that would tie him down, but their security was excellent, and he would be far safer there than when he was working at an educational and research institute.
"Of course, I'm willing to work to pay my way while I'm with you. I can teach Grito some of the secrets I know and assist with maintaining and upgrading your ships. Not to brag, but I am one of the best engineers in the Dramid Alliance." Vi'ivando said, wearing a self-assured smile on his face.
Naturally, Avery was more than happy to have him along. He was already set to head to the capital system soon to fulfill his end of the contract he signed with Storeen Corp. Bringing along another person was hardly an issue. In fact, getting an expert like Vi'ivando even for just a short while would be extraordinary.
"Yeah, you're free to stay with us for as long as you like. I've got business in the capital already, so we were planning on heading there soon anyway. I'd guess we'll deal with Grito testifying first and then head over to the capital system. Is that fine with you?"
Nodding his head, Vi'ivando agreed. Bringing the expert Baccigan engineer Avery had access to from one to two. Albeit temporarily.
However, there was still one question that was on Grito and Vi'ivando's minds. The Reswen Theocracy vessel he had kept and outfitted with the equipment from Iniquus' station, who was going to be piloting it?
"I'm sure that one of us could figure out the controls and use the navigational computer to set flight paths, but neither of us have the skills to pilot during combat. We're wondering what the plan would be in such situations?" Vi'ivando said, rightly curious about his and his nephew's safety in the event of a battle.
With Avery leading a mercenary group, fighting was a large part of their job. Something that Vi'ivando and Grito were hardly well-versed in.
"Ah, I suppose I should have brought that up earlier. I tunnel visioned on recruiting Grito and forgot to explain more about the ships the two of you will be on. Fortunately, a skilled mercenary and pilot recently joined us. Or well, what she really wants is to follow Ezra."
Once the mercenaries that Iniquus had abducted been seen at a medical station and had their implants removed, and then were questioned by the Alliance Police, they had been free to go.
As reparations they would all be receiving a portion of Iniquus' seized assets, but there were some that wanted to get right back to work now that they were in control of their lives again.
One of which just so happened to be Oliva.
When she reached out to Ezra, she asked if she could join him on his ship, but Avery decided to offer her the role of captain of the Reswen Theocracy corvette.
Fortunately, she had accepted, and with her acting as an intermediary, some of the other skilled mercenaries that Iniquus had forced to become his private soldiers had joined as crew members. A lot of them were happy to have a quick chance to get back on their feet and felt that they could help pay back Avery and his team since they were the ones that had saved them.
"So there will be another eleven people aboard that will be dealing with the piloting, restocking of goods, and other miscellaneous tasks necessary to keep the ship running. All you two will need to worry about is your engineering work. And as for when we get into battles, the corvette will be outfitted with long range weapons to keep it out of the fray for the most part and act more as a support gunship. Things would have to go pretty bad for both of you to be in danger." Avery said, explaining the position they would have on the vessel and what its status would be during fights.
"There will always be risks with any mercenaries. But I already know that you guys have good ships and aren't idiots. From what you've told us, I don't think there will be a problem." Vi'ivando said, nodding his head.
Grito was in agreement as well. There were always dangers when traveling the massive expanse of space but being on a former military warship with an additional three first rate mercenaries to protect it was not bad. He had seen Avery and his team fight already, so he knew just how competent they were.
"I'm glad that you're in agreement. Now let's get the formal proceedings of welcoming Grito to my team finished. Then we can go to the Alliance Police with a new proposition. I obviously can't just let them take a member of my group away for an extended period of time. Especially when a dangerous group is after him. They'll have to let us tag along to so that we can make sure you stay safe."