CollinsSpores' Shop Log Bytes

### 1st Dorvocax

Walking around the shops outside of Vigila, he looked around and his beady red eyes landed on the large tent with a strange creature inside. Slowly he walked up to the entrance and went inside, his brows furrowed as he started thinking about all the trinkets around the shop. In some ways this little store reminded him of the loud and obnoxious shopkeep huts back on the homeworld, where bustling streets lined with Agatrops looking to buy their favorite fruits and meat kebabs or baked goods.

He looked around and took his time studying the various antiquities and strange items. He was hailed by the very nice shop owner and found himself drawn to the menagerie, loud squawks and hisses and growls filling his ear holes. As he walked by the loud animals, his eyes settled on a very ugly flat faced lizard creature that made disgusting slobbery snort noises. He bent down a bit to look at the creature, and watched as its long slender clawed feet hands wrapped around the cage bars. The thing snarled at him which caused Dorvocax to snarl back amusedly.

Dorvocax went over to the shopkeep and cleared his throat "How much for the flatdog? Dorvocax needs strong companion. And that thing is ugly but strong" he said with a soft but serious look.

"Hm? Oh, the *flatdog*?" Shadriabun mewed as his attention turned towards the Agatrops, initially taken aback by his size and brawn. "*Ah!*… now that may be a choice for you."

"Flatdogs *are* from the Agatrops homeworld, I do know," the Theraki explained, leaning against his counter cordially as he spoke, "So it is only natural that you may want one for your own. As for their price… hm… what was the price once again…? Ah! The price of a *Flatdog* and a flatdog *alone* is 𝔛5,800,500 upfront. It is a hefty fee out of someone’s yearly budget… but for a lifetime friend, I’m sure it may be worth your while."

Dorvocax mused over the price for a moment and scratched his scaly skin before fixing his posture and clearing his throat. He took out a clunky holopad and set it down, the pad had up the transfer of cubits to Shadriabun Nil's store account and he spoke "Fair price, Dorvocax already pay here. Thank you for service" he said in choppy utterances.

Shadriabun’s eyes widened on their stalks for a moment, before offering a quick nod to him and another happy tone to his voice. "Ah, splendid we’ll have the one you were looking at earlier processed and ready to go as soon as we can!"

Within a few minutes, the flatdog that Dorvocox had been looking at plodded out in front of its human handler, a harness leash keeping the reptilian canine in line for the time being as it was handed off to Dorvocox. "Enjoy!"

### GH'UUGH

Gh’uugh walked up to the Emporium feeling happy with himself, he walked into the shop tearing off meat from a Flatdog leg and into his mouth. He walked by all of the trinkets and toys and stopped for a moment to look at some of the ancient banners. He belched and then continued to the front desk “you wished to discuss opportunities” he said monotonously and ripped another chunk of meat off the flatdog limb.

“I have a shop to get back to, so let us make this conversation a nice and smooth ride shall we?” He tilted his head and flicked a piece of stuck meat out of his fangs.

Shadriabun turned about the counter to face his contemporary, antennae faltering for a moment at his eating before nodding. “Of course I do, of course!” He declared presently.

“…That was a fair deal, that bet by the way- but that’s beside the point,” he shook his hand and continued, “So, we’re on the same property. Naturally, this would be a source of conflict. However, I know there might be a bit of useful information and acquisitions that you may want to get between us, eh?”

Gh’uugh thought on this for a moment, his eyes turning into a frown “Perhaps I do, Utensils and the like are not the problem. But for special meals I need good ingredients. And you do have a menagerie, meaning you get surplus of some animals captured” he said and nodded his head a bit “How about this then”

He planted his taloned hands down on the desk “Exotic spices and ingredients come my way, I get a quarter of some animals you get for more fresh food. And I promote your shop and business as a whole, as a sponsor” he said with a business cold tone.

”Hmmm… that was just about what I was going to offer you,” Shadriabun shrugged. “You see, I have massive- massive- surpluses of Myrkrats and Krei… both of which I’ve heard make good small meat. Now, I’m willing to sell both in bulk monthly to you. And in return, I’ll let you pick out whatever you want from my inventory- no making any of the other animals into food, though, and none of the 500-quint stuff. I can’t offer that; sorry.”

“So… what does it sound like? We both help each other, we both promote eachother, and we both support eachother. It’s like a symbolic symbiosis. And I think it’s a good way for us both to go… that and I don’t usually get spices and other ingredients.”

He nodded slowly before holding out his hand “This sounds like a promising deal. I am glad this did not have to turn into a cutthroat business war” he said before thinking “I can probably get you some antiques as well. Nothing too special though” he said.

Shadriabun eased back from his seat and stood up to shake Gh’uugh’s hand. “I’d say we have ourselves a deal then!” Shadriabun declared.

“Take a look around, have yourself a look at the selection we’ve got out today. I’ll be sure to get you it provided it’s not too extreme or anything,” he waved off any of the Agatrops’s remaining worry.

Gh’uugh stopped for a moment and his eyes lit up “hold on one moment” he rummaged through his satchel and pulled out a fairly rigid and creepy skull that greatly resembled an Agatrops. Its vicious fangs still embedded into it, and not worn down much at all. “I give you this old Vortkan Chief skull. In exchange for the Psikhlyubov Glitterglobe” he said and put the rather large skull down on the desk.

”… Ah, I’m sure this will work,” Shadriabun agreed with a nod, offering up the Psikhlyubov trinket with a flicker of his antennae. He didn’t question why he had a skull- it was an Agatrops running a restaurant. He didn’t have time to ask any more questions.

“And on return, the Myrkrats and Krei… hmm… let’s say half a million a month?” He offered with wide arms.

He nodded to that and took the globe and gave a grin. “Sounds promising, I believe business shall run smoothly from here on out. Enjoy your prosperity, Nil” he turned and put the globe in his satchel. “Be seeing you” he started leaving the shop, content with their deal.

### 1st Lerin

Strolling on into the emporium, Lerin’s pointy ears twitched as he looked around. smirking he took a look in the direction of the front desk and slowly walked forward. He took out a big fat cigar and straightened his tie “Heyy, howsitgoin there bud. Hey, I see you got a nice collection around here. Got any books on Anti Gravity? I hear they are impossible to *put down*” he grinned.

Shadriabun was about to respond with an actual, legitimate response. However, as he realized the intent of what the Drelnar had said, his antennae dropped as he snickered quietly at the pun.

“Ah… no, I don’t think we have exactly *that*… or at least anything more than a few diagrams or posters, to be honest!” He exclaimed. “However, we have just about everything else under the sun… save for aloe for what is undoubtedly the *worst* sunburn I’ve ever seen!” he retorted. “I must advise you stay at home with that red of a complexion. Soon you’ll be peeling and you’ll have nothing left with that red of skin!”

”… I’m kidding, of course,” Shadriabun noted. “I know it is a natural complexion for a Drelnar. I just have never had the grace of being in one’s presence, so it may be… somewhat surprising to see the true redness of one.”

Lerin gave a toothy grin “Oh! You comedian! I would blush like a tomato if I didnt already look like one” he chuckled. “Beyond that, I don’t have a clue what I desire in this shop. What would a man like you suggest a man like me partake in?” He took out his shiny gleaming sword and tapped it on the ground, sharp side down and leaned into the handle.

“I am sure a nice man like you has somethin that would suit my fancy. *Sword* of mouth is, you got a nice fancy few trinkets suited to everyones purpose” he leaned closer and with his other hand he took out a drive that had over 10,000,000 cubits on it ready to go and put it down on the table. “Surprise me friend” he gave a fanged grin.

Shadriabun eyed the cubit drive with intent before tucking it away as he hummed over his insight of his inventory. “Hm… I don’t believe I have any swords within that price range, sorry,” he shook his head but quickly reconciled. “*However!* I know that a traveling comedian such as yourself needs someone- or something- to carry your stuff!”

Guiding Lerin over to the menagerie, the Theraki salesman offered a gesture towards a grazing herd of mottled orange-and-black reptilian cattle, with stubby tails and cloven hooves and beaks. “Allow me to introduce you to the Ghalipan Vanaou!” Shadriabun declared with a gesture of the hand towards the strange creatures. “Perfect pack mules, great companions with a lot of personality!”

“And the best part? It only costs about half what your budget is- a total of five-million-eight-hundred-thousand,” he added. “So what’s your thoughts, tomato-man? Would you want a pumpkin carriage to go along with you?”

Lerin looked over the bizarre beasts for a moment and his thinking face turned into a bright smile as he looked at Shadriabun “Its a deal Prawn-man. Could you have it taken to my private ship please? I will pay extra to allow you to make a nice pen and stuff in the cargo-bay” he took a puff of his cigar.

”Oh, of \*course\*! I’ll take the rest of the budget to make sure your new companion gets the best of the best for Vanaou-keeping!” He agreed, offering a hand to the Drelnar as he clicked out some command to the nearest workers, having them gently corral one of the Vanaou out of the pen, to which reacted simply with a long reptilian moo.

Lerin took the mans hand and with a firm grasp shook it. He watched the creature for a moment “do they produce milk like the cows humans have?” He asked perplexed.

Shadriabun stopped to think for a moment, before shrugging. “Never really thought about it!” He chuckled. “Might want to make sure it’s not a guy before you try, though.”

Lerin gave a laugh at that before smirking “Please, It would be the best thing that weird creature ever dealt with. But no, I wouldn’t want to find out anyways. But say that I do find out they can be milked, you got yourself a very lucrative side business then ey?” He chuckled and watched the thing go by for a bit more. “Well, I should probably head back to the Coliseum, I am gonna challenge that Drodo that recently came in” he said with a smile.

”Oh? You mean the crown prince?” Shadriabun asked back. “I sold him a car, you know. A \*very\* fine car- most rare muscle cars you could find in Aratacia. Shook his hand and all for it, too. It was one of the best sales I think I’ve ever had.”

”But I won’t keep you any longer. Get into that arena, and if anyone asks about the Vanaou, just remember,” he insisted in a half-serious tone, “To tell them you got it at Shadriabun’s Exotic Emporium!”

”Do not worry Nilly! They will know exactly who to go to!” He said as he began walking out of the Menagerie and through the shop. He left the Bazaar feeling happy, and soon made his way to the Arena.

### 2nd Lerin

Lerin walked into the store with a somber look on his face as he held his tommy gun in hand. He walked up to the back of the store and passed by all of the items and stopped when he reached the counter. He put his tommy gun that was empty of any deadly bullets and he took off his Hardlight Bayonet clip and set it on the counter beside the gun. “Hey Nilly! I got a bit of an item for you. If you are interested in it, I dont want money for it” he said with a smile.

Shadriabun peeked around, looking at the hardlight bayonet with some confusion. "It's... a fairly normal item, but I suppose I need some of those in the shop as well," he hummed, taking the deactivated bayonet and setting it behind his counter before turning back and looked to Lerin.

"So... you're here for your bet winning, I presume?" the theraki hummed, leaning against his counter-top with a slightly amused twitch of his antennae.

Lerin shook his head. “Nah I'm here to give you my gun, to protect yourself out there in the coliseum and beyond” he said and pointed to the tommy gun. “Some day the Mantalli Family will be well recognized, maybe not Lerin Mantalli, but one of them” he said

“I just wanted to give you it friend. Give that free item I earned to someone else, perhaps the next customer that comes in” he grinned “You put up with my puns and you are a pretty bright guy, so say that we meet again after these games. You will personally be invited to sell at the Democratic Peoples of Kapricai. I'll make sure of it,” he stuck out a hand. “Plus any valuable assets my family.. procures will go to you.”

Shadriabun looked over the gun with some surprise, glancing back up at Lerin with sincerity in his expression. "That... Mr. Mantalli, I know not what to say about this... You... you are a kind man, Mr. Mantalli, but... I don't understand," he had yet to touch the gun as he peered up at Lerin himself again.

"Why are you giving me this? All of what you've offered?" he asked, cocking his head in a confused look.

Lerin laughed “I’m no kind man, Nil, I am an asshole, but a few people don’t deserve that. What I gather about you is you forged your own path and weren't handed a silver spoon. You are what the world should be, self-made instead of being surrounded by all of these kings and queens with their fingers in those that deserve better” he took out a cigar “I am giving you a gun that I pretty much murdered a giant Agatrop to get. Mistook me for a human and tried killing me, I never went down without a fight, like you who is a trail blazer” he chuckled again.

He tapped his chin with his fingers before he tutted “I am offering it also because entrepreneurs like yourself give my ‘family business’ life. I'm probably gonna get in a few more fights with people and use some of my earnings and help a couple different shops. Have a good day Shadriabun Nil.” He turned and walked out of the shop and straightened out his tie before walking to find someone else to fight for the time being.

Shadriabun's eyes widened with the explanation in confusion, looking over the gun again and back to the Drelnar. "... I suppose you may be right in some ways," he muttered to himself, setting the tommy gun out of sight with a sigh. "... I guess I'll take his belongings and add them to the rest of everyone else's."

### Marbharoui Thalganna

A somewhat stocky and definitely scarred young Agatrop walked through and into the bazaar with a to put it bluntly; very fucked up face. He had a slacked jaw leaning to one side more than the other? And the man had much evident destroyed chitinous plates upon his upper jaw and face. He had a glossed over pale milky white eye that showed no sign of activity and one of his wrists showed signs of improper healing. He walked further inside without saying a word, he was dressed in ragged cloth robes attached to medium infantry armor, his spacer helmet hooked into place on his hip and a seemingly newly acquired sawed off shotgun on his other hip holstered. His good eye scanned the room and gritted his sharp jagged teeth into a permanent cringing face, he moved by Escoban and gave the turtle a knowing scowl, signifying he remembered the reptile.

He walked past the woman and went to go take a look at a few trinkets, none caught his eye at the moment but he was in no rush to head back to the busy restaurant. The break was just what the doctor ordered, and he took in a sharp breath and sighed, until his red eye landed on some of the old SIUIP collectives and its banner, something that reminded him of home. He shook off the notion continued to browse.

”Ahh! Another fine customer!” Shadriabun declared, taking note of his hostility as he continued. “Welcome to my Exotic Emporium, good sir! What may interest you in today’s line of strange, bizarre, and historic things? Or may it be a fine or equally strange beast you look for in today’s perusal?”

Marbharoui turned to look at the man, he gave an attempt at a smile “Ah, hello Shadriabun Nil. I haven’t a clue as to what I desire yet, though I feel it should be something nice, I wish to sent it back home to let the people in Tyvus know that I am okay” he said with a hint of regret evident in his voice.

“I hoped you could help me find something, I apologize for my scary face. Tends to happen to people like me, consequences and the like” he grinned and looked back to the old Illarian flag “Got anything an old Agatrop could like? Perhaps something of old historic military value? He is a Thalganna, as I am” he finished up speaking in a hush, as he knew that name in Aoshtai wasn’t too liked.

”Hm… It may depend well on your cost range, but I think I may have a few,” Shadriabun supposed. “Any ideas what he, this Thalganna you speak of, may like in particular to a military style?”

Marbharoui scratched his chin for a moment “he appreciates listening to different old Marching songs, he was always fond of them due to his belief in the necessity of patriotism” he placed a finger on his chin and tapped.

“It has been some time since we last spoke, but I am sure he could use some cheering up. Too bad you haven’t any old Marric Union things, he put a lot of effort into maintaining his position in the navy, and made his kids remember his favorite patriotic things” he hummed and he frowned sadly for a moment with his one good eye. “Either way, old paraphernalia of any part of the Aegis Cluster's history should work” he smiled.

“Hm… I’m not sure what your budget is, but if war items are what you’re looking for, the end of the line here, at least for now, is what I may have to show you,” Shadriabun declared as he shimmied his way out from behind the counter, gesturing for the Agatrops to follow him.

Eventually, the two would find their way to a stand, showing off what looked to be a rather standard blade made by a Vaarn- one of the many species of the Aoshtai region known as the Divide. It was embellished with a minor power Crystal- a psionic focus of some kind.

“This… is *Han'irid*, better known as the *Settler of Debts*,” announced the Theraki merchant, gesturing to the sword on its stand with some flair to his voice. “One of the fabled Seven Blades of Kallos, this masterpiece was forged by the Vaarn pilgrim Tev Allas. He then used it more than sparingly when the Aldrean Empire attempted to invade his homeland, forging his- and his sword's- place in legend to this day. It has seen it’s time in war- has taken plenty of Aldrean lives before it reached my hands, I’d assume.”

Shadriabun gave a look between Marbharoui and the blade, his eyes focused on *Han'irid*. “If that is not war paraphernalia at its finest, good sir, then I know not what is.” Marbharoui looked over the blade for a moment and seemed to take a while to register what he was looking at. In his mind however he was trying his hardest to think of what to say in a letter to his father. Slowly he was taken out of his trance and looked to Shadriabun. “Sir, no price is too high for family, if I may be so genuine to say, family is something many don’t get to enjoy before it is gone. And I say you can have something priceless in return for this fine gift my friend” he looked to his good hand which had a gauntlet that had a blaze orange glowing Lesser Empyrean Power Crystal embedded in it.

“I used my hands for wrong doings sir, I regret that much. But perhaps you could use this as fair trade?” He held out his hand with the gauntlet attached, fire seeped out from the palm of it as if it were alive. Slowly the fire extinguished as he took the psionic glove off and handed it to Shadriabun Nil. “I earned that Lesser Empyrean Power Crystal partly from being a savage. So please take it” he looked at the man and smiled.

”I… This is… certainly a payment method I had not considered,” Shadriabun blinked in surprise, stumbling back from the size difference of the gauntlet to his own hands before looking back over to Marbharoui with a happy flicker of his antennae.

“But of course would I be willing to make such a deal! A good compromise, if any could surpass it,” he agreed, whistling for another Theraki to offload the gauntlet for further documentation and writing. “Would you like a case for your new sword- a very nice one, at that? I’d be willing to provide it for no charge at all!”

The Agatrop nodded to him “that would be lovely, thank you for this opportunity” he smiled before looking out to the exit “I should probably head back to the snack shack eh? Stop by any time again, I promise I will not tell Gh’uugh that I am being so nice to someone who is more charismatic” he snickered at that.

”Oh, of course!” Shadriabun declared with some remaining shock at the payment provided, having another Theraki gently put Han'irid into a gilded lockbox case before handed over to Marbharoui for himself. “Have a wonderful day, sir!”

Marbharoui waved at the man as he left the Bazaar feeling good about himself, it wasnt every day he got to meet new friendly faces. He knew he definitely did not leave many that opportunity considering what he has done.

### Lerin at Anzhela

Lerin walked into the Armory shop with a drive for money in one hand and a glass of Torkacan whiskey in the other. He took his time strolling on through the shop, taking in the sights and different cool looking armor and guns. He stopped when he looked to the back and saw Anzhela, he straightened out his posture and walked up to her quietly. "Ah hello Miss, I think we have met before?" he said in his business-like tone and took a look at his cubit drive for a moment before sucking down the whiskey. "Perhaps you could help me find some good armor and a gun. I lost mine"

Giving a brief wave to Quila as she left, her gaze turned to Lerin and she gave a nod as he entered, resting a hand on the counter as he approached.

"I can maybe help. I see how fight in arena, want submachine gun and light armor, yes?"

She cocked a brow upward as she asked the question.

Lerin smirked for a moment "Yes I would like a new submachine gun, however I would like to upgrade my light armor to medium. It offers me more protection from undesirables" he said and pointed to his padded suit "This wont do anymore"

He gave her the drive which had another 10 million cubits on it "Give me the best you have of it, do not worry about the money either, whatever I dont spend you can keep to help with the shop. No strings attached this time" he smiled.

Taking the cubit drive, she'd slide it beside the register.

"Hmm, okay."

She'd fiddle with the terminal for a moment, tapping away at it, before eventually she'd stop and turn the screen around so it was facing him. Gesticulating with her hand, on the screen would be a black rifle of a bullpup design, though with a collapsible stock and shortened barrel, "M-74606C, carbine use by Krizovian Militia, Krizovian gun. Very good, best."

"Rapid-fire direct energy, effective, lightweight, reliable--" She would say, pointing towards the price on the bottom, "37 million cubit, but worth it."

She would press the down arrow on her keyboard, putting into view a diagram of what appears to be a set of medium infantry armor; "then M-125, what our Arbalarry wear. Effective in combat, stop lots, can't expect walk around with it though, only for warrior time."

"One hundred million."

She'd fold her hands on the table, "both of this would be one hundred and thirty seven million, plus ammunition and case."

Lerin scratched his chin for a moment before he took out a Lesser Empyrean Power Crystal and held it in the palm of his hand and showed it to her "Would this suffice for a trade for the best?" he asked with a smirk and put it into her hands "I won this after a few good bruises"

He gave her the 10 million cubit drive "And take this, it would do you well" he said and transfered 5 million of it to her store account. "Whether or not I was stupid to insult such a coward from a regime is irrelevant. You seem a good person, so use this to upgrade the store, that or give it to Shadriabun Nil at his store. Weaponize a Balae" He snickered at that

Her eyes would glance down at his hand and would remain locked there, the LEPC reflecting off of her eyes as she stood there awestruck, her mouth slightly open. She then glanced up at him, then back down at the LEPC, back and fourth.

"Опа блять..." She'd mutter under her breath, before taking the LEPC and nodding, "yes, yes, this good for payment. Very good, I-- Eh..."

She stammered, fumbling with her tunic pocket as she put the LEPC away, "...Thank. Weapon military grade, should be shipped to vessel. Case too, and I give four ammunition."

"A-Ah, ah... Ehm... Thank again. Remember keep gun in case when on Vigila, only take out for duel."

Lerin nodded to her before he took out a cigar and bit down on it and took out a lighter "Dontcha worry I aint gonna smoke it in here, too many possible explosive things" he said and left the shop with a wave and a trail of smoke followed after him once he lit it outside.

### Shadriabun and Dunteriadact

Walking into the shop came Dunteriadact, his gnarly scarred face was permanently situated in a snarl. He walked farther into the shop and said nothing, however as he walked anyone could sense the danger resonating through his brain, the ability to snap at a whim. Still, the man held eerily quiet composure as he walked, he stopped to look at Zhanna Egorova “Vampire.” He addressed her. He took out a cubit drive from a compartment in his power armor and went up to Shadriabun. “I would like to procure the Goetiarium. And I am willing to pay it up front” he said in a cold voice, squinting his eyes at Shadriabun Nil. “His lordship has seen the item and has taken particular interest in its properties” he folded his hands behind his back and looked down at the theraki.

It would be then that he would turn to the Agatrops, his antennae faltering in their jovial attitude. “…I’m sorry, I did not catch the name of said lordship?” he asked with confusion. “Who is this particular lord which might be interested in the procurement of the void box?”

Dunteriadact cleared his throat and put his hands on the counter and leaned in closer to Shadriabun. “Why, Lord Ardius Thalganna, my prospective new.. friend” he said with bared teeth. His tone obviously sarcastic and put the drive down on the counter, on it the expected 𝔛10,000,000,000 amount showed. “The vigilians here did not allow he himself to be at this.. gathering of warriors, so I had to go instead of him” he ranted on, “honestly this place disturbs me, the smugness about the ones who own the planet is evident. I will perform in a few bouts and be done with this place” he turned away from Shadriabun. “How malicious would you say the entity is?” He questioned. “If it is anything interesting I can make sure to out a good word in for you in the Arena”

Shadriabun shrank back at the mention of who would be purchasing the item, and what sort of malevolence it posed. While he knew of the President Ardius Thalganna, he had also heard the rumors of the *Lord* Ardius Thalganna- a void-corrupted tyrant of Selten, barred from the galaxy by the powers of Aoshtai for its sake. “Ah… I cannot say for myself ow dangerous the entity within may be, but… rumor has it that it took the last of the vitality of the person who shoved it in there to keep it there,” he noted, leaning back as he looked up to the Agatrops. “As for your purchase… I… I am afraid I cannot sell you this item.” Shadriabun’s voice became more plain, slowly shaking his head as he continued. “If I am to understand correctly, the Lord Ardius Thalganna was resurrected from the Void. It is within my personal beliefs that a person of such background and such current material being should not be allowed to procure the Goetiarium. My sincerest apologies for your inconvenience, but this is final,” he cleared his throat, looking as tall as he could prop himself up to be.

The mans red eyes flared up in anger at the Theraki for a moment before he took a breath in and gripped the counter with a screech from his claws. “Final.. huh.” He scoffed a bit as his eyes glossed over lifelessly. “What say 80,000,000,000 to change your mind.. the item is very interesting to his lordship” he tried again, his patience seeming to be a lot less, his voice was short. “I came all the way here as his damn errand boy, so say he does open this void entity and say it is malevolent. If it can kill him shouldnt we allow that to happen, for Selten’s sake?” He snarled and lightly hissed. “Let the man play with his toys, things will bite him in the ass at some point. However, I will only ask this one more time. His lordship is not worth getting arrested by the birds” his eyes squinted at the man.

”Shadriabun’s Exotic Emporium reserves the right to refuse service at the owner’s discretion,” Shadriabun stated back to Dunteriadact, antennae furrowed down. As the two spoke, all four of the establishment’s Rasiben Lawnbuddies waddled around the Agatrops, two on either side. While small and somewhat egg-shaped tripods, their double-bladed scythes still seemed like they would pose a serious threat if anything went down between Shadriabun and the disagreeing Agatrop. Over the top of an aisle, the Ghalipan security guard looked on in confusion and a bit of fright. “I will not sell that item to you, sir. Anything else may be fair, but I will not allow you to take that item- it is too dangerous, in my opinion, to be held by you or your lord. If you continue with this, I will need to have security intervene. Is this understood, sir?” Shadriabun asked, looking up with only a little fear at the Agatrop’s squint, but more so an unwillingness to budge from his position.

The large Agatrop looked to the guards around them and snarled at the Ghalipan and hissed *”boo!”* he yelled. Laughing at the fear on its face before turning back to Shadriabun Nil with quickness “fine fine.. I will leave you to your business.. *Theraki*. I am not wasting my breath on this. Especially not for *his lordship*” He said in a mocking voice. “Enjoy your time here clone, the offer will stand when you come to your senses” he said and made his way out of the shop, hocking a wad of spit on the bazaar cloth as he exited. Obviously he was not happy, but did not wish to get a hardlight aoshanti weapon up his cloaca.

### Ghuugh at Shadriabuns

Vortkan Gh'uugh walked into the shop with one of the glowing beers in his hands. He took a look around the shop as he did the first time he came in, he sighed at the lack of business and went up to the counter where Shadriabun Nil usually sat. He leaned at the top of the counter with his beverage, in his other hand he had a box of fresh made fudge and sat it on the counter. "How goes it my friend, business in Elantia seems to have slowed down a small portion wouldn't you say Nil?" he took a large gulp of the radioactive liquid.

Leaning back in his seat, Shadriabun Nil looked up at the Agatrop with a tired flicker of his antennae, *Banubridyr* sitting by his side and plunged into the ground. “Ah, yes… nothing’s happened of much interest for the past week, I must say,” he agreed, standing up to face the reptilian. “But the arena? I must say, Gh’uugh… I have been *very* successful.”

The Agatrop could only give a grin and patted the man on the shoulder “I apologize that some different types of my species still are too keen on giving us a bad name. As well as I am sorry you went through the stress of that last one friend” he took out a pipe and put it in his mouth to puff on. “I was unable to be as successful as you in the arena sadly. I am not a great Agatrop it seems” he chuckled a bit sadly at that joke. “Nevertheless, you have put on quite the show through all of it. It almost makes me jealous that you are so good with the blade *and* selling stock” he gave a better grin this time. “You are doing mighty fine for yourself”

Shadriabun nodded back in kind. “Ah, it’s nothing too much for me to handle an Agatrop in the arena,” he assured. “Only one that sighed would have agreed to it all. But he’ll find his place eventually, I assume- off of Vigila, mind you.” “As for the selling part… Like I said, no serious customers have walked through that door for some time, I’m afraid,” he shrugged off with a sigh, “But I am sure it is just a downtime that will end when the time comes.”

Gh'uugh crossed his arms for a moment in thought "yes I suppose he will, and from a few connections in that horrible scum world that is Dominion, you made the king seething mad at the pathetic young whelp" he chuckled "yeah no one has come much into my food shack in a long while, last one was someone from Gladreburger.." he frowned at the name due to it being a possible rival business when he gets more into franchising. "Things around the concourse has gotten more interesting as you know, since we come from around the same area. The Emperor will be going to that asinine political shit show with Majelonis. Hopefully she can represent all of the clans views in a coherent matter" he took a keen look around the shop. "Say, I don't think I have ever really taken much time to browse and find an interesting item of my own"

“Ah, I don’t like speaking of politics,” Shadriabun waved off the Agatrop’s comment of the upcoming meeting. “I’ve only come for the opportunity Vigila has to offer- not the plight of the ever-divided Aoshanti people. But that’s beside the point. I do believe you looked over things last time you were here, but if you’d like, we can always have a look through what I’ve got,” the Theraki offered, gesturing to the aisles of items. “I’m always open to someone taking a look through my selection of curios,” he insisted with a flicker of his antennae.

Gh’uugh scratched his chin for a moment, his somewhat elderly eyes scanned the room for a moment or so, taking in the new stock since the last time he visited. His beady eyes looked around before they eventually stopped at the Xetasi Fishy Friend. He went up to the thing and looked over it for a moment before he gave a light chuckle. “My friend, I believe this is what I want right here. Perfect item for the Snack Shack” he took the item and placed it on the counter. “Xetasi, right near home. Heard they are sometimes good to my people so I wanna know what all the fuss is about these things” he smirked and took out a blank cubit drive and typed in the 1,000,000 cubits needed. He also wrote in a tip for about 2,000,000 more and slid it to Shadriabun Nil. “I hope this will be satisfactory for pay”

Shadriabun looked surprised at the suddenness of Gh'uugh's selection, glancing between the plaque-mounted fish and the customer with some amusement. "Um... I am sure this will make for a fine addition to the Snack Shack," he agreed, looking over the purchase with some surprise at the tip. Another moment would pass, and another Theraki would walk out, Xetasi Fishy Friend boxed up, and offer the cardboard box to Gh'uugh. "Thanks again for your patronage, good sir!" Shadriabun hollered back to him with a polite wave. "I hope to see you again sometime soon!"

### Dorvocax and Vendor Price

Dorvocax came walking into Vendor Prices shop with a giant bottle of Desbola in his hands, its ominous green glow partially seen going down his throat as if it were about to fall through. He walked around the shop holding the drink in one hand and taking his time admiring the shotguns. Scratching his chin he would look over to the shopkeep. “Good day human! I notice you have a good selection of shotguns available!” He said in a loud clear voice, it was a slight bit slurred from the drink however. He picked up the pump action shotgun and took it over to the front desk and placed the thick cork back in his drink and set it down. “I am willing to buy one of these if youd be so kind” he asked with a light smile.

In order to get to Vendor Price Arms, physically, Dorvocax would have to take a ride up the space elevator which connects the city of Elantia to Daedroma Station in orbit. From the elevator terminal, he would need to wade through a crowded station-city to the spaceport where Price’s ship, the bizarrely named *Somnium Tenebris*, was docked. He’d need to pass security on his way out, as if he was leaving Vigila, before finally arriving at the terminal where the *Tenebris* was docked.

He might have ample reason to make this trip. Arms control laws on Vigila were tight. Gun and sword sales were restricted to members of the nobility and their retinues; the process was long and arduous. The restrictions around the carry of arms outside the arena for members of the non-nobility were onerous. And Vigila was a desert so far as getting a good, weighty, conventional firearm was concerned. Thankfully, in orbit, in the ship terminal beyond the security checkpoints, there was Vendor Price Arms, which had docked with the station at the start of the games with a supply of conventional weapons and ammunition to service the many foreign mercenaries and visitors which were at Vigila during the games.

Normally Vendor Price and his crew did business remotely, through the Ethernet, and delivered large shipments in bulk to other ships docked at the station. But sometimes, there was a walk-in visitor. The trek was long, but as Dorvocax passed a security drone, entered the ship, and beheld the small shop erected in a segmented-off portion of the cargo bay, he might immediately realize that it had been worth it. Recreated was the atmosphere of a small gun shop with the display cases and bulletproof gun racks, some of which were padlocked. There was choice and supply. Different calibers, different lengths, different types of ammunition, different actions. The shop was deserted as Dorvocax entered, though as he browsed he’d see out of the corner of his eye a middle-aged big-shouldered man with a beard and glasses emerge from the back and take up position behind the counter, waiting for the large Agatrops to approach him.

“Good day, sir!” he said back, looking up at the immense creature, seeming a little concerned on account of the fact that it was intoxicated. “The SH-100?” Price asked, taking the shotgun, inspecting it, checking that the chamber was empty, then making sure that the cycling worked. He put it back down onto the counter. “‘s a solid choice. I also got the double-barrel and the automatic, all Karian-made. Really solid guns. This one’s gonna cost five-hundred thousand cubits, and the double-barrel’s about the same price. The automatic’s expensive, but she’s one hell of a gun,” he went over as he talked to a PDA mounted behind the counter, padding the screen, “If I were you, I’d get all three. Give myself options, if I wanna get into Karian shotguns.”

Dorvocax looked down at the man and nodded at his words. He scratched his chin for a moment before looking through his cubit drive for enough money. “How about this, I shall give you enough for 2 of those fine shotguns, that way we both walk home rather happy with ourselves. I promise to not be a raging Agatrops with a shotgun” he chuckled lightly and slid the drive forward. “I would like the Karian Chain Shotgun, and Karian Grenade Launcher. Sorry I am not able to properly pronounce the actual brand” he said and scratched the back of his head.

“Alright, so!” Price said as he tapped the screen, looking rather happy, “Let’s review. The Timberlane SH-100 Pump Action Shotgun,” he patted the shotgun on the table, “The HKK Sturmer Combat Shotgun. And the Grenatenwerfer Mk.21.” He put his hands together in front of his lips for a moment as he looked down at the screen, and then looked up. “That’ll come to 𝔛60,500,000,” he took the drive off the table and slid it into the side of his PDA and waited a moment. Then, he went fishing for keys inside a counter drawer and circumnavigated the desk to go unlock the grenade launcher and chain shotgun. “We’ve also got carrying cases for all that. The Vigilians are pretty strict down there about carry n’all that. Are you gonna want ammunition to go with these pieces too?”

Dorvocax nodded with a wide snarled grin “Yes, I would appreciate the ‘munition my dear human friend. But before I pay I must ask, do you kit out specialized cases? Customizable and all that?” He asked with intrigue and held out the drive.

“Alright. How much ammo for the shotguns and the grenade launcher we talking?” Then: “We have a selection of cases, yes, though if you’re looking for something custom-made you should probably find an artisan to do that for you. The Aoshanti tend to have pretty good ones.”

Price made his way over to the display case for the HKK and unlocked it, taking it back to the counter. Then, he went for the grenade launcher and brought it back to the counter. There were then three full-sized battlefield weapons on the counter. He took Dorvo’s cubit drive again and waited for his answer regarding the ammunition.

Dorvocax waved away the notion of going to visit any Aoshanti artisans, moreso out of fear for prejudice against Agatrops. He did however think for a moment about the ammunitions, “I would say about.. 20 slugs, and 20 buckshot. I would also guess just a pack of grenades. An Agatrops holding a large grenade launcher perhaps would be enough on its own to have some people back down” he said “I apologize if I am not giving the best specifics, in our culture and tribes the trading system is fairly rudimentary at best. We take whatever we can get, including the bare minimum scraps if we have to”

Price taps the tablet again with a few bobs of his head. "Alright... So the ammunition will come to three hundred thousand cubits for the slugs and buckshot, and the pack of grenades—a cylinder's worth, is... also three hundred thousand cubits. So your total here is six hundred thousand cubits." He plugged the cubit drive into the tablet and waited a second before handing it back, and tapped away on the screen, "I'm gonna have one of my cargobots get the ammunition from the back for you. How're you intending on carrying these guns out of here?"

"I'm also afraid we're out of magazines for the HKK, but you may have some luck getting some from Vek's Hunting Lodge down on the surface of Vigila, if you don't mind visiting that."

Dorvocax nodded “thank you for your time human, I appreciate this” he said and thought for a moment about Vek’s Hunting Lodge “I shall check that out sometime soon, also if you ever down in Elantia you should check Gh’uughs Snack Shack, ran by my friend. Very good chef that actually has fairly cheap prices” he smiled and looked at the guns “I am going to carry the shotgun on my back holster. I will carry the grenade launcher in my free hand” he picked up his drink and took another swig “That should be all correct?”

Price gave him a look of concern, “The Vigilians won’t let you carry weapons openly on their station, let alone the planet, when you get to customs. You’ll need some sort of locked carrying container, which they will probably give you.”

The Agatrop gave a frown and begrudgingly sighed “Fine. I guess I will be using some of the containers then.” He said in a snarl at the situation. “Do you have any containers so I do not have to go the extra mile?”

“I have a couple left over, I think. I’ll have cargobot get two from the back.” After a few minutes of small-talk, a young woman in a jumpsuit pushed a cart through the door carrying two sealed cases: one for the two shotguns and their ammunition, and the other for the grenade launcher for its ammunition. The crates were of Karian design, a bright chrome with a handle and a magnetic lock. Price hefted one of these onto the table, accepted a keycard from his assistant, and slipped it into the lock. The case beeped and clicked open. Price proceeded to size the foam inside and cut out the necessary silhouette using a specialized tool so all the guns fit nice and snuggly in both cases. He then left space for ammunition boxes. Once it was all wrapped up, he closed the cases, one significantly bulkier than the other, locked them with the keycard, and extended it towards Dorvocax. Assumedly, Dorvocax would also have paid for the cases, which would have come to about 1,600,000 cubits.

He finished his drink so he had room for both cases in his arms and held them tightly, putting the thick metal and held the bottle in his jaws before making his way to customs, but not before he turned to vendor Price “Again thank you” he exited out the shop at that notion.