I’ll be the Red Ranger

- Oliver -

"N-no need to worry. I can arrange that for you," Hector said, a confident smile spreading across his face.

‘Jackpot!’ Oliver thought, careful not to let his excitement show. This was the opportunity he'd been waiting for.

"It's still going to take some time before it starts, but if you're going to the auction, it's better if we sign you up," Hector suggested, stepping away from his booth with a purposeful stride.

"Isn't it a problem to leave it unattended?" Oliver asked, falling into step beside him.

"Oh, no problem at all. You see… I have immense pride in my product. But mining isn't the most popular subject these days, especially with the Waves and Rangers being the main topic all over the Net." Hector began to speak incessantly, his words tumbling over each other.

Oliver was pleased; with Hector doing most of the talking, he wouldn't have to reveal much about himself.

Hector led the way into an area reserved for exhibitors, always keeping close to who he imagined was a potential buyer. The corridors here were less crowded, lined with crates bearing corporate logos and equipment awaiting display.

"So, at these fairs, my stand usually stays pretty empty. Only the occasional market enthusiast stops by to ask questions," Hector commented. "You know, there aren't that many aficionados in Space Mining."

Oliver offered a faint smile. He himself hadn't known much about the subject until recently.

They navigated through a maze of rooms. Storage areas stacked high with parts, tech labs filled with half-assembled prototypes. Until they reached one of the more secluded stairwells, Hector began ascending, and Oliver followed, climbing flight after flight of metal steps. They passed the eightieth floor, the din of the expo fading behind them.

Throughout the walk, the CEO of Atlas didn't pause his monologue for a moment. "I've always had a passion for mechs. However, looking at the market, the vast majority are focused on solving the problem of the Waves. Don't get me wrong, those machines are necessary. But when they think of other applications, it's always about reusing existing designs. My approach is different; I believe in starting from scratch to solve new problems with mech technology."

Oliver nodded in agreement, paying attention while they continued upward. He noted the sincerity in Hector's voice, the genuine passion that drove him.

At last, they reached the ninetieth floor. Hector stopped and opened an unmarked door. "Here we are. They'll just need to register you; it's quick."

The atrium they entered was a stark contrast to the bustling floors below. It lacked the flashy holograms and crowd of visitors. Instead, the space was understated, exuding an air of exclusivity. The walls were paneled in dark materials, and soft lighting cast a warm glow.

No one was waiting at the entrance except for two male androids standing guard. Their synthetic eyes tracked the newcomers with silent efficiency.

Oliver felt a subtle change in the atmosphere, a hint of formality mixed with anticipation. This was where the real dealings took place, away from the spectacle of the expo.

"How may we assist you?" one of the androids inquired, his voice smooth yet devoid of emotion.

"I need to register him," Hector replied, gesturing toward Oliver.

"Very well. Do you vouch for him?" the android asked, its mechanical gaze fixing on Hector.

"Yes," Hector affirmed confidently.

‘Seriously?’ Oliver thought to himself, momentarily surprised by Hector's unwavering trust.

"Excellent. What is your name, sir?" The android turned its attention to Oliver.

"Cassius. Cassius Blackstone," Oliver responded, maintaining his composed facade.

The android's eyes unfocused briefly, a subtle glow indicating it was processing the information. After a few seconds, it returned its gaze to Oliver.

"Identity confirmed. Cassius Blackstone. Entrepreneur in asteroid mining," the android stated.

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Hector seemed to celebrate internally; though he tried to hide it, Oliver could read the happiness etched on his face.

"Your final step is to deposit a minimum of one million credits," the android continued. Don't worry; they will be converted for use during the auction."

‘One million?!’ Oliver wanted to shout, but he kept his expression steady. ‘Maybe this identity has some funds attached? There's no time to contact the Command Center. It's all in luck's hands now.’

He had never dealt with such a vast sum before; wagering a million credits during a mission was surreal.

"Very well," Oliver replied, attempting to fake confidence while his hands were sweating.

The android swiftly scanned the gauntlet on Oliver's wrist. Seconds ticked by, each one amplifying Oliver's anxiety. His mind raced, formulating backup plans in case something went wrong.

"Transfer confirmed," the android finally announced. "Congratulations on taking part in our auction. Your entry is approved."

Both androids stepped aside in unison, revealing a dimly lit corridor that stretched beyond them. Just as Oliver was about to proceed, one of the androids handed him ten black chips, resembling those used in high-stakes poker games.

He accepted the chips, their weight oddly reassuring in his palm. Hector clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Welcome aboard, Cassius! I knew bringing you here was the right decision."

Oliver offered a tight smile. "Appreciate your help, Hector."

Oliver studied the chips in his hand as they walked down the corridor. ‘No point in trying to convert them back into money; I'll never see this again,’ he thought. Glancing over at Hector, he noticed the man was striding confidently, as if the sale was already sealed. Oliver deliberated for a moment before deciding on his next move. ‘At the very least, it's a way of thanking him for getting me this far.’

"These five will cover the payment for the five mechs," Oliver said with conviction, placing five black chips into the CEO's hand. "And these five, consider them an investment."

Hector's eyes widened, shimmering with disbelief and gratitude as he stared at the chips in his palm. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. Cassius. I will never forget this," he repeated, his voice filled with earnest emotion, even as they continued walking.

They emerged from the shadowed corridor into a vast chamber. To Oliver, it resembled a grand theater. Rows upon rows of seats descending toward an expansive wooden stage. The rich reds and gleaming golds of the décor exuded opulence, leaving no doubt about the significance of the event about to unfold.

Android attendants moved gracefully throughout the hall, balancing trays with exotic beverages. Guests gathered in small clusters, their conversations a low murmur beneath the ambient music. Oliver weaved through the crowd, ears attuned to the snippets of dialogue floating past.

"The Emperor won't let the Republic of Enceladus go unpunished," one man whispered to his companion, a sly grin on his face.

"It's the perfect time to sell to both sides," a woman in an elegant gown remarked, swirling her drink thoughtfully. "You profit by providing weapons to one and bandages to the other."

"Absolutely," her associate agreed. "Every upheaval presents a new market opportunity."

Oliver felt a chill run down his spine. ‘A nest of vultures,’ he thought, watching the predatory gleam in their eyes. They circled the turmoil plaguing the Empire, eager to feast on the spoils of conflict. It didn't sit well with him, nor did it surprise him. He wasn't naive enough to believe in fairy tales. This was the reality of their world.

He knew that the mech manufacturers, in particular, were likely reveling in each new headline splashed across the Net. Every skirmish, every hint of war, meant increased demand for their machines of destruction. Profits would soar, and fortunes would be made.

"That is, if the Emperor actually wins," a voice murmured nearby.

"What do you mean?" another replied, curiosity piqued.

"Don't you even consider a one percent chance that Mordred might slip from the Empire's grasp?"

"I heard they're spreading something among those living on Enceladus and plan to do the same with the allied Houses."

Oliver stood amidst the ebb and flow of conversations in the grand hall, his senses attuned to the whispered exchanges around him. Despite his efforts to absorb the scattered intel, seconds blurred into minutes, minutes into hours. The exact start time of the event remained elusive, but he sensed it was drawing near.

Deciding to change his vantage point, Oliver distanced himself from the clusters of guests and ascended toward the upper tiers of the ‘theater’. From there, he could survey the entire venue, every gilded detail illuminated under the soft glow of chandeliers. The opulent décor contrasted sharply with the tension threading through the attendees.

As he settled into a seat with an unobstructed view, a faint hiss buzzed in his ear commlink. "The auction will begin shortly. Newbies, do not interfere with the outcome."

Oliver's pulse quickened. He quickly scanned the hall, his eyes darting over the faces of dignitaries, traders, and shadowy figures cloaked in anonymity. Was anyone else reacting to the message? Facial expressions remained carefully composed, masks of indifference worn by those well-versed in secrecy. It was impossible to tell who else might have received the warning.

Oliver briefly considered activating [Prometheus]. With it, he could at least figure out who was with a Z Crystal. But using [Prometheus] would for sure expose his identity.

Exhaling softly, Oliver decided against it. Instead, he returned to his seat beside Hector, who seemed blissfully unaware of anything around him. Hector was occupied, eyes gleaming with anticipation as he glanced around the opulent theater.

Moments later, the murmurs subsided as an android ascended the stage. This wasn't just any android. It was the most exquisitely crafted synthetic being Oliver had ever seen. Sleek and graceful, the android moved with an almost human fluidity, clad in a perfectly tailored tuxedo that added to its allure.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the android's voice resonated. "Let us start our auction."