The crew disembarked from the ship dressed in the finest suits money could buy. It was not their usual style but the occasion called for a touch of class. Their destination: Thousand Treasures Auction House.
As they walked into the auction hall, they noticed the variety of guests who had attended. Buyers from across the quadrant: Nobles, smugglers, fleet captains, and corporate agents mingled with one another. Everyone was here, and it was as Leonidas expected.
All he hoped for was that they would accomplish the main goal for coming here. The three men were ushered to a private room overlooking a stage. The windows were one-way, ensuring every single bidder a modicum of anonymity.
"Excuse me, sir, before we commence. Proof of funds will be required." Said the Lady who had led them into the room.
Leonidas was not surprised by the type of merchandise that would be on offer during the auction. It was prudent to make sure every single person who came was not here to simply try to swindle their way through the event.
The assistant brought forward a datapad, which required a fingerprint scan to verify the validity of your background. Leonidas placed his thumb upon the scanner. As soon as the process finished, and the screen glowed green, it displayed the necessary information:
Name: Leonidas Lionhart
Available funds: 9.3 Million Lunari
But what caught the assistant's attention was not the large sum of available funds. Rather it was the name, Lionhart. She almost lost her footing, as she read it a second time to be sure she was not mistaken. A scion of the House of the Lion was in her presence. The Great House is second only to the Imperial family.
Trying to feign composure and failing, she attempted a curtsey and apologized for not recognizing the importance of her guest. But Leonidas placed a finger on his lips and said,
"I would be pleased, if no one knew I was here."
She heeded his instructions and quietly left the room.
The lights in the room suddenly went dark, then a single spotlight focused on the center stage. Standing there was the auctioneer - a cybernetically enhanced woman with gold-threaded eyes. It was as if she appeared out of nowhere.
Ezran smirked. "What's with the theatrics?"
Leonidas smiled. "It's to set the tone, my friend."
This is just beginning, soon the bidding war will commence. All the main acts will take the stage, aiming for the same prize. Leonidas knew he could not let that happen. If his crew was to survive the cruel life of a mercenary, they would need every single advantage they could get.
"Ladies and Gentleman. The House of Durin, welcomes you all. We hope for a peaceful and fair evening. We all know the rules. Now, let us begin" she announced.
Leonidas leaned forward.
"We will not be wasting everyone's time tonight. We know why everyone is here. Our opening lot will be today's main attraction; Mark VII tactical AI Core. Starting bid: 1 million Lunari."
Leonidas was surprised. Why would the House open with this? He had hoped that by bidding his time, a lot of his competitors would eliminate themselves by bidding on other items, but fate it would seem, has other ideas.
Leonidas entered his bid on a datapad next to his chair.
"1.1 million Lunari. From the gentleman on private booth No.14"
A hush seemed to settle into the room for a brief moment, then the flood gates opened. Countless bids came pouring in, raising the price all the way to 4.5 million. Leonidas worried the funds he had prepared might not be enough.
"5.5 million Lunari. From private booth No.3"
Then the room went quiet once more. The AI was a valuable piece of tech, but not this much. The auction house had played their cards well. Now everyone was hesitant to add in another bid.
Titus grunted. "Make your move or concede, boy. Which will it be?"
Leonidas was perplexed on what to do, the core was not their main goal, but would go a long distance in aiding their goals. Should he go all in, and abandon the Shield Matrix for another time?
"Going once... twice..."
"7 MILLION LUNARI!!!" announced the auctioneer.
Leonidas had entered the bid.
That was most of their funds gone. It would be some time before they find themselves in a place like this again. Gasps filled the room. 'Who would bid such a number?' The question was on everyone's mind.
"Sold," the auctioneer said. "To the gentleman in private booth No.14."