Multi-Dimensional Merchant System

When Omi showed him to the small apartment he would be using for the next couple weeks, Oliver wasn't really surprised that the furniture didn't suit him. The Rach may have been humanoid, but their bodies were still noticeably different from his own. He wasn't really bothered by it, as the place had comfortable carpet- at least it would still be more comfortable than any of the times he had gone camping... And he had a decent air mattress stored in the warehouse for situations like this, anyway.

His only real regret was the inability to explore this ship and the new society that inhabited it, but he understood the reasons. The last thing anyone wanted was for the millions of citizens to panic over the presence of a strange new life form- or worse, liken him to the creatures that had ravaged their world and killed so many of their people.

Though there was no reason he couldn't engage in a little people watching. Trying to guess someone's role on the ship proved difficult, as their manner of dress didn't seem linked to any particular field... Overalls, like Omi wore, were common and worn by many- he was certain that saw everything from cleaners to a scientist wearing them, though he could only guess that one of them was a scientist because they walked by muttering about 'needing more soil samples'.

“Trying to read the Rach is a lot different than with humans...” Oliver muttered to himself.

He was surprised again when Omi returned less than an hour later... Trailed by a team of people.

Oliver focused on the approaching group, wondering what was going on... And whether they were a threat or not. Had they decided they made a mistake by inviting a stranger onto their ship? Some of the tension he felt fled immediately when he realized that Omi was the only armed member of the group- though the crates labeled 'medical' that were carried by most of the group certainly confused him more than a little.

Though the way Omi seemed to defer to the one wearing some sort of badge on his chest made him think this was an official visit of some sort.

When Omi knocked on the door, Oliver waited a moment before answering the door with a smile. “Omi. I wasn't expecting you back so soon. Who are your friends?”

He almost wanted to laugh as, when he ran his gaze over the group, a pair of them actually flinched at the eye contact.

“Friend Silk, allow me to introduce my superior, Cici Vasler. She wished to meet you and discuss things before we arrive at the next world.”

Oliver nodded politely to the group, though his focus was on their leader, Cici. “Like if I am a danger to your people and if I really can be trusted?” He chuckled softly at the shock he read from the group, though Cici failed to react at all. “I don't blame you. Please, come in.”

As he led the group into the apartment, he glanced back at their leader and spoke casually. “Vasler, like Mimi Vasler?”

Cici slowed momentarily and nodded cautiously. When she spoke, her voice was clearly higher than Omi's- though it held the ring of someone that was used to being listened to. “Indeed, she was my grandfather's cousin by marriage.” Her eyes slid to Omi for just a moment before returning to stare at Oliver. “I see Omi told you a bit of our history.”

Taking a seat on the floor, Oliver leaned back against the wall and smiled at the group. “Yes. I find it very fascinating- tragic, but fascinating. You have no idea how eager I am to learn more about your people.”

As Cici took a seat in a nearby chair, the others began opening the cases they carried and setting up some form of medical equipment. Noticing Oliver looking on curiously, she quickly clarified. “Ah, I must apologize for this, but it was decided that a series of tests be carried out. Not that we are concerned about you carrying some form of pathogen, but rather in preparation for the salvage operation. If you had brought some form of illness aboard with you, it is likely that our internal sensors would have caught it. Thankfully, those sensors are still mostly functional- at least, the ones that monitor for disease have been maintained. Others...”

She shook her head sadly. “These salvage operations are too important. But, a point was raised by Bim-” She gestured vaguely to one of the people setting up equipment, who paused to offer a friendly wave- He was one of the few that didn't flinch before. “-that, because you are so different from us, it would be best if we ran tests to ensure your safety. After all, while you seem to have no adverse reactions to this environment, we have no idea what your tolerances may be.”

“A planet that we deem relatively safe may actually be lethal to you.”

Oliver nodded along as he considered that. The system had listed only bounties with 'safe' environments... But did it take into account the planets that they would be visiting? Or only the environment of their ship? He had no idea.

“That is a sensible precaution... But what guarantee do I have that your people won't be running other tests or experiments? How do I know they won't take samples in order to study me?”

Cici hesitated for a moment, exchanging looks with several in the group before she sighed. “Truthfully, we would like to do just that. But we would not do so without permission, as that would be a severe violation of both your trust and your autonomy. Perhaps we can negotiate for permission?”

Oliver chuckled softly, not surprised at all. He knew humans would be going crazy for the chance to study an alien... And, to the Rach, he was the alien. “Maybe... Out of curiosity, what sort of weapons do your people use?” He asked, nodding towards the pistol on Omi's hip.

It was actually Omi that stepped forward to answer, but only after Cici gestures for him to do so. “The laser pistol is our most common weapon, but we also have laser rifles for when we are on a salvage run.”

Oliver's eyes lit up at the simple explanation, and he leaned forward in excitement. “Laser weapons? How do they work?”

Omi didn't even glance at his boss before answering with a shake of his head. “I apologize, friend Silk, but I cannot tell you that. It is classified information... And, truthfully, even I do not know all the details. All I know, and can say, is that it is powered by what is called a 'microfusion cell', and that it concentrates light into a damaging beam. None of that is really a secret, though... Do your people not use laser weapons?”

Oliver could here the curiosity in his voice, and see it in the others as they slowed their work to listen. He shrugged slightly, though the smile remained on his face. “My people are not as advanced technologically as yours... Though that was clear to me just based on the existence of this Ark. Our efforts in space exploration is a bit behind yours, and our weapons are a bit different as well. Without actually testing some of your weapons, I can't make a comparison yet.”

Cici's head tilted curiously. “You are interested in acquiring some of our weapons?” At Oliver's nod, she seemed to consider it for a moment. “We were intending to loan you a weapon for protecting the salvage crew... I suppose there is no harm in trading a few weapons, as you will not be staying once the job is done, correct?”

“Pretty much.”

Cici nodded confidently. “That is acceptable, then. We try to keep our weapons secure for everyone's safety, but if you will be leaving, then there is little risk in proposing a trade. A laser pistol and a few of the microfusion cells for your permission to take samples and study you?”

The feral grin that spread across Oliver's face caused a few of the Rach present to shift uncomfortably, but he didn't care. He was about to get laser weapons... And he sure as hell planned to negotiate hard.

No way in hell would he settle for just a pistol.

A laser rifle, laser pistol, one hundred microfusion cells, and a guarantee that they would never attempt to clone him. It was the best deal he could get, as Cici wasn't one to be easily pushed- though it was also clear how much they valued such an opportunity.

All of that, and he convinced Omi to use the microfusion cells as a payment option for future Commissions when they needed supplies... The last thing Oliver wanted was to run out and have a useless weapon taking up warehouse space. Of course, they were also happy with that arrangement. The microfusion cells were easier to make than credits were to acquire, apparently.

Oliver didn't really understand most of the tests they were running... Which, he was quick to realize, was a weakness of his while doing these Bounties. Between technology and magic, there were just too many things he had no clue about- and he knew that could cause a lot of problems for him if he wasn't careful.

His instincts told him that the Rach were not a threat, and he was inclined to listen to those instincts- which, thankfully, was proven true as no problems arose during the tests.

As the other's were packing up the equipment and preparing to return to whatever duties they had, Omi pulled out a device that reminded Oliver of a tablet or a large cellphone. After a quick glance at it, he hurried over to Oliver excitedly. “Come friend Silk. With them having the proper baselines to ensure your safety, it is time for you to meet the team. Pre-flight checks are about to start!”

“In just a few hours, we will reach the next planet and hopefully begin to salvage!”