Path to Becoming the Greatest Space Mercenary

"As I'm sure that you must know, the spacecraft you have come into possession of is a model of ours that we had been in the process of perfecting. It's still experimental, and thus the only one of its kind. We would like it returned to us." Dorris said, laying out their desire right from the start.

Avery's only reply was a disgruntled frown. Naturally, no one would be happy if someone came up and told them to hand over their property just because it used to be theirs.

He did not interject yet, though. It was clear that the Chief of Finances at Storren Corp. had more to say.

"As you found it lost in space after it was stolen from us, technically, the ship, known as SCXD-011, does belong to you under Alliance Law. Still, considering the circumstances, we were hoping that you would allow us to purchase the vessel from you. I've been given the authority to offer you twenty million Krenin, or should you wish since you are a mercenary, thirty million in credit to purchase another craft from Storren Corp."

Avery's eyes bulged wide when he heard the amount that was being offered to him for giving the Dauntless back to Storren Corp.

Without a doubt, he figured that he would be offered quite a bit, but not twenty million in cold hard Krenin, or even more astounding, thirty million in credit that he could use to buy another ship or even ships considering how much he would receive.

Thirty million was enough to purchase a fully kitted out top of the line medium class vessel and have a sizable chunk of money left over. It would probably even cover the cost of purchasing a heavy cruiser. Albeit only a base model with a few upgrades.

This was a substantial amount to offer for only a single small vessel, and it showed Avery just how serious Storren Corp. was about having the SCXD-011 back in their possession.

'I could buy myself a new ship and get one for Kasandra to pilot as well. That would give us a lot more flexibility in the jobs we accept.' Avery thought.

For a fleeting moment, he considered taking the deal due to the staggering amount offered.

Yet, no matter the price put upon it, he could not see himself parting with the Dauntless. It was not just a powerful piece of technology to him anymore. After surviving so many harrowing battles with it and using it to make the money he needed to save his father's life, Avery had become attached.

The Dauntless was his vessel. And he was not going to let it go for any reason.

"As generous as that offer is, I am afraid I can't give up my ship for any amount of money. As a mercenary, it's both my home and the means with which I make a living. I've already entrusted my life to it several times, and it has not failed me yet. I see no need to take my chances on another vessel." Avery said, making his position clear.

For just a moment after his unilateral decision, Dorris' mask cracked, and a flash of anger appeared on her face.

However, being the executive of a major corporation that she was, she quickly put her artificial smile back on and attempted to continue negations.

"I'd ask that you please reconsider. If it is more money that you want, then there is room to increase the amount. Also, the SCXD-011 is an experimental craft. There might be flaws that have gone unnoticed that could put you and your crew at risk. You very well could explode in a fiery death the next time you take it out."

At this, Ardesen let out a displeased grunt, while Kasandra tapped her foot against his twice with her own. The signal they had agreed upon beforehand to indicate a lie.

It was clear that Dorris did not truly believe that there were any flaws with the Dauntless. And as Chief of Technology, Ardesen had almost certainly taken offense that Dorris had suggested as much.

"I can understand why you would want to retrieve it, but that should not be particularly necessary. The SCXD-011 is a ship that your company designed. Surely you could just make another one?" Avery said, understandably confused by their desperation.

"As it is an experimental craft, Storren Corp does not wish for any of our competitors to get ahold of it. That is why we honestly want it back."

Again, Kasandra tapped Avery's foot twice. They had just been told another lie.

At this point, Avery's mood had soured somewhat. Dorris was adamant that the ship be returned to Storren Corp., even though there were plenty of other ways to prevent the ship's data from leaking.

It would be easy enough for Avery to sign a contract with Storren Corp. that compelled him to prioritize their facilities for any repairs or maintenance, and not to allow any of their competitors to examine the Dauntless. This would certainly cost them far less than thirty million Krenin.

Avery tried to stay diplomatic and suggest alternatives that did not see him losing his ship, but Dorris always led the negations back to where she wanted, no matter how forceful she needed to be.

Once Avery and Kasandra were just about fed up with her web of lies she had spun, and the ever increasing amount she was offering that had now gone up to thirty-eight million Krenin, Ardesen finally spoke up.

"Oh, can it Dorris. It's pretty obvious that this mercenary is not going to sell us the ship, and the more insistent and untruthfully you get, the less likely any deal will be made. I think it's about time we tell them what's really going on. Unless you plan on going along with Strozen and want to concoct some scheme to steal it?"

This sudden outburst from her fellow Chief left Dorris frozen with an aghast expression on her face. Ardesen had not only derailed her negotiations but also revealed that there was a faction within Storren Corp. that wanted to use less than savory means to pry the SCXD-011 away from Avery.