The auction unfolded without much to stir their interest. Lot after lot consisted of exotic weaponry for corporate troops and luxury-looking armored ships. There were even the newest luxury yachts from Nexum Dynamics, gleaming under the holographic projectors.
Yet neither Cleo nor Rex paid the displays any mind; after all, their own technology was generations beyond the offerings of the local megacorps.
Cleo, however, had secured a small victory, quietly acquiring several tons of rare catalytic metals that would be useful for her forges.
"Well then, this concludes this year's auction!" the auctioneer announced, his voice booming with false warmth. "I hope you all enjoyed it and found our wares to be pleasing to your purses, hahaha!" As he laughed, the complex platform began to shift and retract, folding back into the floor with a series of soft, mechanical sighs.
