Instead of simply accepting their gratitude and leaving, Ethan had one last request.
"I want to know if there are any old, high-risk contracts that are still unfulfilled. Ones that could help Kynara and the surrounding sector."
Darrik raised a brow, arms crossed. "You don't have to prove anything, Walker. You've already done more than enough."
Kael, however, was already tapping on his data console, curiosity piqued. "Hmph. Most mercenaries don't go out of their way to clean up unfinished business." He glanced up at Ethan with an appraising look. "But you're not most mercenaries, are you?"
Ethan simply shrugged, his expression unreadable.
After a few moments, Kael's fingers stilled on the console, and he reached into a locked drawer, pulling out a small, black data key. He slid it across the desk toward Ethan.
"This is a classified list of unresolved high-level bounties. Pirates, rogue mercenaries, and criminals who've evaded capture for years. Many of them have caused trouble for Kynara in the past, slipping through Federation cracks, operating out in the Ashen Sector and beyond." He leaned back in his chair. "If you happen to cross their trail, well… consider this a parting gift."
Ethan picked up the data key, rolling it between his fingers as he studied it. He could feel the weight of unfinished justice within it. Old names, old crimes, and loose ends that most had long given up on. But he wasn't most people. With a small nod, he secured it in his pocket.
"I'll take care of it," he said simply.
Darrik let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "Never could take the easy way, could you?"
Ethan smirked. "Wouldn't be any fun otherwise."
As Ethan stood, Kael and Darrik exchanged knowing glances. Darrik, the grizzled veteran, stepped forward and placed a firm hand on Ethan's shoulder, his grip both reassuring and unyielding.
"Listen, Walker. No matter how far you go, the Mercenary Guild takes care of its own. If you ever need supplies, intel, or just a place to rest your head, the Guild's branches will always be open to you. Doesn't matter where you are in the galaxy."
Kael nodded, arms crossed, his sharp gaze locking onto Ethan's. "Mercs should look after their own, but never forget...out there, you can't fully trust anyone with your safety. Watch your back, always. But this place?" He gestured around the room, toward the insignia of the Guild emblazoned on the wall. "This place is different. You can consider it a permanent sanctuary. A home, if you ever decide to have one."
Ethan studied the two men before him. They were seasoned warriors, survivors of countless battles, men who had seen comrades come and go. And yet, they stood here, offering him something few ever had. Loyalty without conditions, a bond forged not by blood but by the battlefield.
For a moment, he let himself feel it, a rare sense of belonging, a weight he hadn't realized he carried suddenly feeling a little lighter.
He gave them a small nod. "Appreciate it."
Then, with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, he added, "Just don't expect me to retire here anytime soon."
Darrik threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh, the deep, genuine sound echoing through the room. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Kael smirked, shaking his head. "No, you're not the type to settle down. But if you ever need to disappear for a while, you know where to find us."
Ethan glanced around once more, memorizing the sight of the place, the faces of the men who had come to respect him. Then, with a final nod, he turned toward the exit, stepping forward into the unknown just as he always had.
Ethan stepped out of the guild headquarters, the bright morning light casting long shadows over the bustling streets. The city was already awake, filled with merchants setting up their stalls, mechanics tuning up speeders, and mercenaries moving between contracts. The familiar hum of distant ships taking off and landing filled the air, a constant reminder that life here never truly slowed down.
He took a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill his lungs. He had come to say his goodbyes, to close this chapter of his journey, but as he walked forward, he realized he wasn't leaving empty-handed. He carried more than memories, he carried unfinished battles, lingering debts that demanded to be settled.
Somewhere out in the vastness of space, dangerous men still roamed free. Criminals who had slipped through the cracks, outlaws who had caused pain and destruction without consequence. Ethan had no illusions, he couldn't fix the galaxy, but he could make a damn good dent in the problem. The list Kael had given him was more than a collection of names; it was a path forward, a long term purpose that extended beyond personal gain.
But before he set off on that hunt, there were still loose ends to tie up. People he needed to see. Allies, friends..
Ethan adjusted his jacket, lightly fixing the strap holding his laser pistol, and the Astral Slayer, feeling the comforting weight of his weapons. They were more than just tools of survival, they were extensions of himself, instruments of justice in a galaxy where justice was often in short supply.
He moved with purpose, his steps steady, his mind already calculating his next moves. The city around him bustled with life. The scent of sizzling meat, fresh bread, and spiced broth filled the air, mingling with the metallic tang of fuel and oil from the nearby docks.
Ethan's stomach reminded him that he hadn't eaten since the night before, and he knew better than to start a long day on an empty stomach. He slowed his pace as he passed a small food stall with a battered metal sign that read Rasha's Grill. The scent of seared protein strips and toasted flatbread was too tempting to ignore.
Stepping up to the counter, he gave the owner, a short, broad-shouldered Lorskian woman a nod. "One to go."
She barely acknowledged him before swiftly assembling his order. A warm, freshly baked flatbread was layered with spiced, flame-grilled nerak meat, crisp greens, pickled redroot, and a tangy sauce. She wrapped it tightly in a waxed paper sheet and handed it to him with a grunt.
Ethan transferred the credits and took a bite as he resumed walking, the mix of flavors hitting just right. The smoky, slightly charred nerak meat was tender and rich, balanced by the crunch of greens and the bright, acidic kick of the pickled vegetables. The sauce tied it all together, creamy with just the right amount of heat. It was simple, fast, and exactly what he needed.
Fuelled and ready, he moved toward his next stop, his mind already back on the road ahead.
His boots echoed against the pavement as he stepped forward, weaving through the morning crowd, dodging the occasional reckless speeder or supply droid rolling past.
The next chapter of his journey had already begun. He just had a few stops to make before the real work started.