[FAREWELL SYNDICATE]

[Ascendance: The Journey to Type 7. Ch_015]

As Kael Ashvale approached the Stellar Syndicate's headquarters, a mixture of anxiety and resolve churned within him. The towering edifice loomed like a fortress against the starlit sky, casting long shadows over the bustling streets below.

Just moments ago, he had settled his aunt and uncle into their new villa, a safe haven he had secured for them after years of hardship. Now, he faced a different kind of challenge, one steeped in the memories of his past and the weight of his present responsibilities.

With a deep breath, Kael adjusted the collar of his crisp Galactic Patrol uniform, a stark contrast to the shadows he was about to confront. The air hummed with energy, a mix of machinery and whispered conversations swirling around him as he followed a cloaked figure through the heavily guarded entrance.

Each step reverberated like a drumbeat of destiny, echoing the choices he had made.

As the cloaked figure ushered him through a labyrinth of corridors adorned with holographic displays, Kael's mind raced. He was here not only to sever ties with a life of smuggling but also to ensure the safety of his family.

The atmosphere thickened with tension as they reached an imposing door emblazoned with the syndicate's emblem—a symbol of illicit power that had haunted him for years.

The cloaked figure gestured for Kael to enter. He stepped into the dimly lit room, filled with an array of flickering screens displaying maps and schematics of smuggling routes.

At the far end, seated behind an imposing desk, was Rax Veylan, the notorious leader of the Stellar Syndicate. Shadows played across his sharp features, but his piercing gaze was unwavering, a predator assessing its prey.

Kael: [standing tall, his voice steady but betraying a hint of apprehension] "Commander Veylan, I'm here to speak with you."

Rax Veylan leaned back in his chair, a sly smile curling at the corners of his lips. The atmosphere shifted; the weight of their shared history hung heavily in the air.

Rax Veylan: [his tone dripping with sarcasm] "Ah, Kael Ashvale. The prodigal son returns. What brings you back to our little family?"

Kael felt a knot tighten in his stomach. This was not a casual visit; he had come to confront his past and secure the safety of his loved ones. He knew what he had to say.

Kael: [taking a deep breath, his voice firm] "I'm now part of the Galactic Patrol."

A low murmur rippled through the assembled syndicate members, disbelief flashing in their eyes. One of them, a burly man with a scarred face, stepped forward, defiance radiating from him.

Syndicate Member: [sneering] "So what? You came to put us in shackles?"

Before Kael could respond, Rax raised a hand, silencing the room. The tension was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife.

Rax Veylan: [calm yet authoritative] "Let him finish. If he truly intended to arrest us, he wouldn't have bothered addressing me as a commander."

Kael took a moment to gather his thoughts, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. He could sense the skepticism hanging in the air, thick and suffocating. But he couldn't back down now.

Kael: [gathering his courage] "As you all know, I'm already involved with you and we've worked together in the past, I won't arrest any of you. Instead, I'm willing to turn a blind eye to your operations. However, I have one condition."

The room fell silent, intrigue replacing animosity as the syndicate members leaned forward, their curiosity piqued. Rax Veylan studied him intently, clearly intrigued.

Rax Veylan: [raising an eyebrow] "State your condition, then."

Kael: [his voice steady, resolve shining through] "Protect my aunt and uncle while I'm gone."

Rax paused, his expression contemplative. He assessed Kael with a discerning gaze, recognizing the fierce determination etched on his face. This was not a boy who had stumbled into this life; this was a man who had matured amidst chaos and was now seeking to protect what little family he had left.

Rax Veylan: [a chuckle escaping his lips, a hint of admiration in his eyes] "You're a remarkable young man for someone who's been smuggling warships for some time. As you wish, we'll protect your guardians. do you have any other requests?"

Kael hesitated, grappling with the enormity of his decision. He had to sever ties with the syndicate, but he didn't want to leave without ensuring a semblance of support.

Kael: [taking a deep breath] "Yes, I'm here to quit the Stellar Syndicate. I can't engage in smuggling while my crew is with me. But I'm willing to send you intel on anything you want from me. I can even assist with your operations, ensuring a safe passage for your smuggling routes in exchange for protecting my family."

The room erupted into a cacophony of voices. Syndicate members shot glances filled with disbelief, frustration bubbling to the surface.

Syndicate Member 1: [shouting] "You can't just walk away like this! You're one of us!"

Syndicate Member 2: [voice rising, pointing a finger at Kael] "We've built something together! You think you can just leave?"

Kael felt the weight of their anger, a tide of resentment crashing against his resolve. He squared his shoulders, refusing to be intimidated.

Kael: [calmly but firmly] "I understand your feelings, but I have to prioritize my family and my crew. I'm not abandoning you; I'm just choosing a different path."

Rax Veylan interjected, his voice cutting through the tumult.

Rax Veylan: [his tone steady and commanding] "Listen to him. Loyalty is commendable, but it can't blind you to personal obligations. Kael's decision reflects a maturity we should respect, even if it stings."

The tension in the room shifted slightly, syndicate members exchanging glances filled with reluctant understanding. Kael felt a flicker of gratitude toward Veylan for defending him, but he knew the battle was far from over.

Rax Veylan: [leaning forward, an intrigued smile forming] "But you're still a valuable asset, Kael. Let's not make hasty decisions. Your intel could be crucial, and you could play a significant role in our operations without directly engaging in smuggling. There's room for negotiation."

Kael's heart raced as he considered Veylan's words. He didn't want to sever all ties completely; perhaps there was a way to maintain a relationship that didn't compromise his principles or endanger his family.

Kael: [after a pause, choosing his words carefully] "I'm willing to support you on the condition that my family remains safe. I can help coordinate shipments and intel from afar, but I won't be involved in direct smuggling. Can we agree on that?"

Rax Veylan studied him, the atmosphere thick with anticipation as the syndicate members held their breath.

Rax Veylan: [finally nodding, a sly grin creeping across his face] "Very well, Kael Ashvale. We'll make this work. Just remember, once you step away, you can't fully leave us behind. You'll always have a place here if you choose to return."

Kael offered a small smile, relief washing over him yet still tinged with uncertainty. As the meeting drew to a close, he knew the path ahead would be fraught with challenges.

But for the first time in a long while, he felt as if he was making choices rooted in hope, not fear. The shadows of his past might still linger, but he had taken a step toward a brighter future.

With a sense of purpose igniting within him, Kael turned to leave, ready to embrace the journey ahead.

As Kael turned to leave the dimly lit room of the Stellar Syndicate, a commanding voice echoed from behind him, halting his steps.

Rax Veylan: [his tone sharp and authoritative] "Wait a minute, Kael. Before you go, tell us where you intend to head next and what journey you plan to conclude with the Celestials."

Kael paused, a frown creasing his brow as he contemplated Rax's question. [sighing softly] "Ahh, yes, I hadn't considered that yet. But I know for sure that I will only access the galaxies where the most unusual happenings are unfolding."

Rax nodded, his expression thoughtful. [leaning forward, interest piqued] "Those areas can be quite treacherous. If you're headed to the most notorious parts of the universe, I might have an idea where you could end up."

Kael turned back slightly, curiosity flaring in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

After a moment of silence, Rax's gaze sharpened. [his voice low and conspiratorial] "Listen, I have a message for the leader of the Parallel Syndicate. His headquarters is located in the Magnus Star System, deep within the Inferno Galaxy."

With a calculated motion, Rax reached into his desk and produced a small device, handing it to Kael. It was sleek, pulsating gently with a blue light, humming with energy. [the room seemed to hold its breath as he passed it over] "If you come across him, deliver this to him. It's important."

Kael accepted the device, nodding slowly, feeling the weight of the responsibility that accompanied it. "Yes, I will. You have my word."

Rax's expression softened for a brief moment, revealing a hint of camaraderie beneath the layers of their past dealings. [with a nod] "Stay safe out there, Kael. The universe is vast and dangerous, but I have faith in you."

With one last look around the syndicate's headquarters, Kael turned and walked out, the heavy door sliding shut behind him with a soft hiss. [The sound echoed in his mind as he stepped back into the bustling streets, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coursing through him.]

As he made his way to his anti-gravity vehicle, Kael's thoughts whirled. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but he was resolved to navigate through it, guided by his newfound purpose and the promise he made to protect his family. The device in his pocket pulsed softly, a reminder of the alliances he maintained and the challenges that lay ahead. He had a mission now, and there was no turning back.

Two days had passed since Kael settled his aunt and uncle into their new villa, and now he was back at the hotel where his crew was staying. As he stepped through the entrance, a wave of familiarity washed over him, and he was greeted by the excited chatter of his crew.

"Kael!" [the collective voice of the crew rose in cheerful unison as they spotted him.]

Kael's heart swelled with pride at their warm reception. "Hey, everyone! I missed ya'll!" He grinned, feeling the weight of his responsibilities lift, if only momentarily.

As the crew gathered around him, he quickly assessed their expressions—eager anticipation glimmered in their eyes. "Did you guys find the most notorious galaxies we can set course for?"

From the front, Osiris Lyre, the Recon Specialist, and Icarus Valen, the Intelligence Officer, stepped forward. They both held a sleek tablet, its screen glowing with data. Osiris's face lit up with enthusiasm, while Icarus wore a focused expression, clearly eager to present their findings.

"We've narrowed it down to ten galaxies with the most unusual occurrences," Osiris said, his voice steady but laced with excitement. He swiped the tablet to display the list. [the screen illuminated their faces, casting a futuristic glow]

Kael leaned in closer, scanning the data. His heart raced as he spotted the Inferno Galaxy—the second galaxy on the list. "What's the distance?"

Icarus quickly interjected, "It's about two billion light-years away, but with warp drive, we can cover it in around fifteen hours."

Kael nodded, feeling the pull of adventure tugging at him. "Alright, then. We'll set course for the Inferno Galaxy tomorrow as the first ray of the sun hits the city."

"Aye, Captain!" the crew chorused, a spark of enthusiasm igniting among them.

Zyra Kaelen, the Weapons Specialist, couldn't contain her excitement. "Finally, some action! I've been itching to test our new armaments!"

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Kael replied, a playful smirk crossing his lips, but his heart raced at the thought of what lay ahead.

Mirae Koris, the Engineer, chimed in, "I'll prep the engines to ensure we're ready for warp. Fifteen hours is a short window to prepare!"

"I believe in you, Mirae," Kael said earnestly, his voice filled with trust. [The crew's energy was palpable, filling the air with a buzzing anticipation.]

With a quick motion, Kael clapped his hands together, pulling their focus back. "Alright, everyone! Let's gather our gear and make sure we're all set. This is just the beginning!"

As the crew dispersed to their various tasks, Kael felt a surge of pride. This was his family, and together they were ready to face whatever challenges the universe had in store. He watched them with a mix of affection and determination, knowing that every decision he made would shape their destiny.

With a final glance at the horizon, where the first rays of dawn began to pierce through the city skyline, he felt a sense of resolve wash over him. [The sun was rising, illuminating their path forward as they prepared for the journey into the unknown.]

TO BE CONTINUED.