As the GSC Dusk Bonny embarked on its voyage to the Ferriday System, Declan settled into his quarters, contemplating the events that had led him here. Natalie Mavis, the young woman whose family had overvalued their business, sat across from him, sharing stories of her family's mining history. Her grandfather's decision to post the spiteful message on Biz Hub had caused quite a stir, against the wishes of the other family members.

  Listening to Natalie's account, Declan realized that beneath her initial bravado, she possessed certain resourcefulness and determination. She may have been somewhat naive, but he saw potential in her.

  "It's interesting how family dynamics can influence the decisions we make," Declan remarked, leaning back in his seat lamenting on his own. "Your grandfather's actions may have caused a rift, but I believe there's an opportunity here for both our families to find common ground in business."

  Natalie nodded, her expression reflecting a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "I never expected to find myself on this journey with you, Sir, I appreciate your willingness to give me a chance." Declan smiled, acknowledging her words. "In times of uncertainty, it's important to keep an open mind and seize new opportunities. We're both in a position to affect the lives of many under our banners”.

  As the days passed, Declan and Natalie spent time getting to know each other better. They exchanged stories of their respective family legacies, she shared her aspirations for the future, and he discussed what needed to be done moving forward.

  By the time the GSC Dusk Bonny arrived in the Ferriday System, Natalie grew quiet Declan swear he could see the gears turning over in her head. The agreement was signed, and half a galactic credit was sent which was equivalent to 5,000,000 credits seeing as a full galactic credit was 10 million credits; Vanhaven Industries would own a controlling share of Mavis Meteor Mining and they will be pulling out of Drilaten and going to another planet in the system, Declan told her he was planning on bidding for the last planet in the Gliese system that was coming up on it buy date.

  As the GSC Dusk Bonny docked in the Ferriday System and the shuttle dropped them off on the planet, Declan's attention turned to the task at hand. He bid farewell to Natalie, ensuring she was settled in a prestigious hotel where she could rest and explore the planet's offerings. Meanwhile, he had an appointment of his own: the Starship Auction.

  With a determined stride, Declan made his way to the bustling Auction grounds with his senses on full tilt, He was traveling without any guards and kept his pace steady. He wanted to avoid as much attention as possible. The grounds were teaming, and ships of all kinds littered the space, The air was filled with electric energy as potential buyers and enthusiasts gathered to witness the grand spectacle.

  The Confederate Military had established Ferriday as a hub for starship acquisitions, attracting a predominantly human population. The atmosphere was tinged with an air of nostalgia and a shared history. Declan consulted his hollow, reviewing the schedule for the Auction. The highly anticipated event was set to commence within the hour. The holographic display projected images of sleek starships, each one representing an opportunity for new ventures and expansion. It was an arena where dreams could be realized, and fortunes could be made.

  Entering the grand hall, Declan observed the bustling crowd, a mixture of seasoned buyers and eager newcomers. The stage was set, adorned with dazzling lights, and adorned with holographic projections showcasing the starships up for bidding. The room hummed with anticipation.

  Declan, being way out of his depth with commerce negotiation, navigated the Auction floor in silence. He carefully assessed each starship's potential, weighing its value against his ambitions for Vanhaven Industries. His eyes locked onto a vessel that exuded elegance and power, a starship that could become the symbol of his company's rise in the galactic market.

  He returned to his given section and sat getting ready for the show, with his sense flaring he felt the presence of someone sitting next to him. “Apologize, I believe was sent here to meet someone” The voice of a refined male drifted to him, Declan’s head turned slightly to address the man. The man was dressed in what Declan assumed to be a Bodysuit amor, it was sleek but not too eye-catching and out of place. “Who sent you,” He asked, and the man responded with “The commander” Declan nodded at that.

  “Name,” Declan asked watched as the Auction began, the charismatic auctioneer took the stage, captivating the audience with tales of the starships' capabilities and their rich histories. The bidding process commenced, with participants raising their paddles, determined to secure their desired vessels. “Jason Kaido” Declan pulled up the information listed under the name known alias of Jason Kaido under the M.I database “Tsk, I really need to get my damn augments back online this data pad is getting on my nerves,” He thought to himself. “Jason, this says you were recently given notice by the company, would you like to tell me why” He kept his voice low and even.

  Jason didn’t move and gave no response to the question, “Do you know what type of Job this will be” Declan asked him as he refocused on to the auction. “I will be your aide for the foreseeable future, I am to work for you and your interest, protect you when you are unable to do so yourself, protect your family when you are unable to do so in your stead, I am to devote what’s left of my life to your interest if you’ll have me” Jason kept his eye’s forward while reciting his mini speech.

  Declan stared at the man he had met many from the company with varying personalities, “By the looks of your dossier your verse in many fields, from management to Counter ops in all field so I’m a bit surprised why a stud like you is not, still rolling in the companies’ belly” Declan keyed again but this time that got a slight reaction out of calm and collective ex-spy.

  “Tell you what Jason” Declan handed over his pad to the man which prompted a confused look from him, “I intend to leave this system with 2 starships and one of them is coming up; a mid-grade battleship that was in the proton wars, buy it at a reasonable price and you might have a job, you have 4 Galactic Credits at your hands”.

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  Jason looked at him like he was a crazy person “You... you would do this, Give such a task to a stranger?” The notion was too much for the spy to handle, “Ha, some emotion from you spy; Good I can work with that, I’m giving you this chance to prove your skills and worth only because the commander sent you and by the looks of it only you so he must have faith that you would be a good fit and go-between for us.”

  Jason mouth a gape held the paddle and sat in silence “This man is a nut case, Why the hell did the commander recommend this fool”, The auctioneer shouted Sold and pointed to the far corner, The gigantic screen flipped again and a 3d hollow projection came to life, and the sleek and powerful looking Starship came into view It stood tall and imposing, its sleek metallic hull reflecting the ambient light in the hangar. The vessel was a marvel of engineering, with a streamlined design that hinted at its impressive speed and agility.

  The starship's exterior was adorned with intricate detailing, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that had gone into its construction. Its surface gleamed with a polished finish, giving it a regal and prestigious appearance, the hollow was damn near life-like. It was a behemoth, stretching across the hangar with an imposing presence. Its powerful engines, visible from the rear, hinted at the immense propulsion capabilities that lay within.

  The ship's sleek and aerodynamic shape suggested a vessel designed for interstellar travel and a mid-size war but still capable of navigating the vast reaches of space with ease. Its wings, if present, were elegantly curved and blended seamlessly into the overall design.

  Large viewing ports dotted the starship's hull, allowing glimpses into its expansive interior. The windows were reinforced with transparent plating, providing a clear view of the surrounding cosmos when the ship was in flight.

  The starship's entrance was grand and inviting, with automated doors that slid open smoothly upon approach. Inside, Declan could see the technological marvels, with spacious cabins, high-tech control rooms, and luxurious amenities befitting a vessel of such caliber, The gun ports were a lovely sight to behold as well.

  As the bidding began, the auctioneer announced the starting price, causing a ripple of murmurs and glances exchanged among the potential buyers. The room fell into a momentary silence as everyone calculated their bids and strategized their approach.

  A suave and confident bidder raised their paddle, declaring a bid that exceeded the starting price. The crowd murmured in response, sensing the escalating tension in the room. A few hesitant bids followed, but it was clear that the stakes were about to rise.

  Jason, determined to secure the starship for Declan at a reasonable price, confidently raised his paddle, matching the latest bid. He locked eyes with a rival bidder across the room, a fierce expression on his face, ready to face the challenge head-on.

  The bidding intensified as others joined the fray, their voices raised with each successive bid. The auctioneer skillfully guided the proceedings, announcing each new bid with precision and clarity. The price climbed steadily, reaching figures that left many in the room gasping in disbelief.

  A seasoned bidder, known for their aggressive tactics, locked horns with Jason, raising the bid by a substantial margin. The tension in the room was palpable as the bids escalated rapidly. Jason stood his ground, his determination unwavering, as he matched the rival bidder's offer with a steely resolve.

  The bidding war raged on, with each new bid met by fierce competition. Other bidders dropped out one by one, unable or unwilling to match the escalating prices. The room was filled with the sounds of hushed conversations, as onlookers anxiously speculated on who would emerge victorious.

  Finally, after a series of nail-biting bids, the rival bidder hesitated, seemingly considering their next move. Jason seized the opportunity, raising the bid one final time, pushing it to the edge of Declan's predetermined limit.

  The room fell into a tense silence as the auctioneer called for any final bids. The rival bidder, realizing they had reached their limit, reluctantly conceded defeat. The gavel came down, and the auctioneer announced Jason as the winner. He glanced at Declan from the corner of his eye a bit uneasy, he had pushed it close almost over the limit of the 4 Galactic credits; the bid had come to an end at 38 million credits.

  “Not bad Kaido, not bad; I wouldn’t have done any better’ Declan nodded approvingly at the bidding war, Jason slid the paddle back to him and let out a breath. “Why would you give me such a thing to do” Jason thoroughly confused. A change happen and both Declan and Jason became still intent eyes became were on them, “Sir I believe we should finish your business here and leave, I Don’t like the intent I’m feeling”.

  They stood and began walking to the podium at the back of the room, a Pettie girl sat with a smile from ear to ear. “Let’s finish this, The Final bid was 38 Million credits correct,” Declan asked the girl and she glance at the paddle and back to him. “Yes sir, how will you be paying,” She asked cheerily pulling up the Starships information and showing it to them.

  She displayed the information and Declan slotted in his pad, Moments later the transaction was completed and they were quickly out onto the auction grounds. “Do you always travel this light without security” Jason couldn’t help but ask as he kept a step cadence with Declan.“That's what I’m hiring you for” Declan glanced back at the man and no retort came from him.

  As they approached the exit they were stopped but some imposing-looking men. Jason wasted no time in stepping in front of Declan and squared off with the men. "Can we help you, gentlemen?" He asked as he reached his arm back pulling at something in his suit's waistband. "They're with me, Sorry...Sorry," The two men split revealing a man more of a mixed breed by the looks of his eyes. "How can I help you," Declan asked, his demeanor calm and collected.

  The man bowed slightly and introduce himself " I apologize for the tension once again, I am Sergio, some may know me as the collector" He began chuckling to himself. jason glance back at Declan who gave him a nod to calm down and stepped to the side. "Mr. Collector then, What do you want" The man straighten at those words, "Well you see I see you have just recently purchased a really minted starship, Could I convince you to sell it to me" Sergio finished gazing at Declan expectantly.

  Declan stared at him for a moment then his eyes drifted over to Jason and then back to the man standing before him. "Unfortunately I won't be doing that maybe next time Collector" Declan stepped forward and walked past the man with Jason in tow. Sergio didn't speak for a while and stared at the back of the man that had just denied him.