Kai stood on the landing dock of the Sector Cometary 12 station, heart pounding beneath his layered coat. This wasn't a dusty village or black-market alley—this was a gathering of power. Traders. Real ones.
Floating at the edge of a shattered moon, the station gleamed like a knife in the void. Defense satellites hovered in its orbit. Every inch of it screamed: deals are made here that change worlds.
He adjusted his Vault-linked gauntlet and walked forward.
The Gathering Hall
Inside, the Trader Exchange Meet looked more like a cosmic embassy than a bazaar. Dozens of species filled the multi-tiered amphitheater, voices translated in real-time through psychic relays and translation spheres.
A spherical vendor levitated above a lava-born merchant.
A cloaked trader with burning eyes negotiated over bottled stardust.
Kai blinked.
These aren't just survivors. These are sovereigns.
His HUD pinged softly.
[Welcome, Trader Kai Zareth]Status: Rank 3 InitiateRole: Independent TraderCurrent Market Influence: MinimalObjective: Seek Network Expansion, Trade Contracts, or Knowledge Exchange
He breathed deep and stepped into the arena.
Opportunity Knocks
Within minutes, Kai was approached by an old, cloaked trader with metallic vines coiled around his neck. His name was Vardex, and he represented the Mycellar Confederacy, a fungal civilization that traded fermentation stimulants and genetic cultures.
"I'm looking for Earth-based organic stimulants," Vardex said, clicking softly. "Caffeines. Chocolates. Fermented snacks. You've sourced Terran goods before."
Kai nodded cautiously. "I can get small batches. What's the trade?"
"In exchange, I offer Mycellar Glowgroves. Rare in your sector. Heals minor wounds, boosts immunity, glows under radiation. Worth 6 CU a bulb."
They negotiated fast. Kai accepted a trial contract—two units of Mycellar culture for three types of Earth stimulants. Delivery within seven rotations.
[New Contract Acquired: Vardex Trade Link – Tier 1 Organic Exchange]Access: Sector 8 Bio-Market UnlockedReputation: +1 (Trader Diplomacy)
First Conflict
Just as he was finalizing the deal, a tall insectoid trader stepped into his path.
"Human?" it hissed. "Zareth, yes? You sold illegal Earth relics in Beacon 9A. Violation of Regulation 7-Delta."
Kai didn't flinch. "I sold restored public-domain relics. Nothing illegal."
The insectoid sneered. "Watch your steps. There are eyes everywhere."
Before things escalated, a silver-plated droid rolled between them and issued a warning: "Conduct regulations enforced. Cease threats or be expelled."
The insectoid turned and stalked off—but not before whispering, "You're not the only trader from Earth."
Kai stood frozen.
There were others?
A Bigger World
Later, as the Exchange Meet slowed down for the rest cycle, Kai sat by a solar pond and reviewed his Vault logs.
He now had:
A reliable buyer in Rynn Virex.
A new bio-trade contract with Vardex.
A hint that he wasn't alone among Terran traders.
He tapped his wrist terminal and opened a private note.
Short-Term Goals:
– Expand Earth stimulant exports– Grow reputation through successful deliveries– Uncover other Earth traders (rivals or allies?)
For the first time, Kai realized he wasn't just a merchant on the rise. He was entering a cosmic ecosystem—one that would test more than just his wallet.
It would test his will, his wisdom, and maybe… his soul.
Status Update:
Kai Zareth, Rank 3 Initiate Trader, has entered the Sector Cometary Exchange and secured his first inter-species contract. He now has multi-route commerce active between:
Earth → Mycellar Confederacy (Bio-Goods)
Deraxis → Sector 9 (Luxury Roots)
The Hub → Deraxis (Utility Exports)
His name is still small—but it's appearing in systems it had never reached before.
Vault Summary:
Current CU: 49
Trader Rank: 3
Delivery Credits: 6/month
Active Trade Contracts: 2
Inventory: Glowgroves (x2), Earth Tea (x1), Vault Datachip (Encrypted)
Trade Network Links: 3
Reputation: Emerging
Risk Flag: Insectoid Watcher (Unknown Status)