“Whoa! I can't believe I've never been here before. It’s about time you brought me to this event” Alex said as he looked around his surrounding with wonder. Gobo was leading him as they walked in the lively streets of Daxion city making their way to a section of the city

“It’s a place with too much exposure. You stand out too much, kid. We will avoid it as much as possible in the future” Gobo said

 

 Reluctant and bitter that he might miss out on more experiences, Alex let out a frustrated sigh, unable to fully comprehend why Gobo insisted on avoiding certain places. Despite his inner reservations, he reluctantly chose to trust Gobo's judgment and reluctantly followed him through the bustling city. Who would say no to an event like this?

 

As they approached a different section of the city, Alex's gaze was drawn to a breathtaking sight near the starship docks. An enchanting spectacle unfolded beneath the towering remnants of a colossal derelict spacecraft, its once-imposing frame now tilted at an arching angle, burdened by the weight of a massive dune beside it. The mammoth structure cast a comforting shadow, encompassing an entire district and providing relief from the relentless heat of the planet's scorching star. The sheer size of the craft was enough to convey its immense scale, leaving Alex in awe of the engineering marvel before him.

 

Adventurers and inquisitive souls sought shelter beneath this formidable wreckage, encompassed by a vibrant tapestry of bustling shops and alluring holographic vendors, their ethereal projections beckoned passersby with a captivating allure as Alex observed while entering the gates. The big hologram sign of a junkyard sale was high in the air as it jumped around.

 

Amidst this lively ambiance, a grand event was in full swing, drawing both locals and visitors like a flock of vibrant birds to a spectacle. As the crowd gathered, a diminutive statue portraying an otherworldly figure emerged, its voice resonating with a delightful raspberry tone, captivating the attention of all those within earshot.

 

“Welcome, welcome Fellow travelers, visitors, and fellow sightseers alike. Welcome to the 52nd planetary cycle junkyard sale. The best parts on our block in all of Zep-7, You won’t find deals like this on this planet anywhere else. Don’t wait and twiddle your thumb. Hurry up. Don't wait too long, or these steals of a lifetime will slip right through your fingers! Step into the dazzling world of the junkyard market, where cutting-edge technology, enigmatic relics, and captivating allures await you. There is something for everyone here" A hologram of a humanoid female alien said as the people walked by some newcomers were intrigued by the message others just ignored it as the hologram greeted snd waved goodbye to the visitors passing by. It was a lively event where many visited from far to find something of interest.

 

The junkyard sale was on its full throttle with crowds coming in flocks, throbbing with the vibrant energy. Alex was clad in robes that shrouded his entire form. His face was hidden behind a unique digital pixel mask, displaying an animated cat-like figure with a spectrum of expressive features. He used his usual disguise. 

Both Their footsteps were drowned out by the lively chatter of alien voices and the clatter of machinery in other shops and vehicles and exotic fauna and flora. The narrow streets were lined with stalls overflowing with discarded spaceship parts, rusty machinery, old tech, and remnants of interstellar voyages, animals of extraterrestrial origin. Vendors of various species hawked their wares, their voices blending into a cacophony of alien languages. The air was thick with many scents as both Gobo and the masked Alex looked at the wares and things and what was offered by the shops.

 

During this chaotic scene, Gobo walked around slowly seeing the wares with a keen eye for shrewd business dealings, prowling the sale like a predator searching for prey. Standing at a mere three feet tall, his stocky frame and imposing presence defied his diminutive stature. His rough, greenish skin seemed to absorb the dim light of the surrounding stalls, making his beady eyes shine with a glint. While Alex just followed him like a cat would trailing behind. While passing through the streets Alex was distracted by the alien females that captivated him for a second. Some of the female aliens had a similar anatomy and that was enough.

 

“Oh! Nice. Though weirdly I don’t get excited by them. Some of the features just disturb me. Marie is the only one that I like. The phoex species are very close to humans in the history records that I've uncovered in the past years. No wonder Gobo matched me with Maire.” Alex thought as he glanced at Gobo walking forward with a deadpan expression. 

“I wonder what human females look like.”

 

Gobo's short, muscular arms swung at his sides, making way for himself in the crowded streets. His stature was getting gazes from many vendors as he walked past them. Some looked delighted and nodded and smiled. Some gave him scorn as if he wronged them. His reputation preceded him.

“Isn’t that gobo? The one running the biggest mechanic shop in town?” some vendors talked among themselves

“Yep.”

As Gobo and Alex found themselves in the center of the bustling event, Gobo came to a halt and turned to Alex, seeking guidance on their next move. True to his word, Gobo reminded Alex that it was now up to him to select and purchase what he needed. Alex's eyes eagerly scanned the wide array of discarded goods, but soon, they fixated on a specific spot that captivated him from the moment he laid eyes on it – an open garage containing ancient starship, available for a bargain price due to its dismantling status.

One massive, neglected junk starship stood out among the rest, boasting a metallic hull that glistened despite its age. Its unique design piqued Alex's curiosity, drawing him in like a magnetic force. While others passed it by in search of newer ships, Alex felt an inexplicable intrigue towards this colossal vessel.

A sly grin crept onto Alex's face, and he couldn't help but adjust his ragged vest with a newfound sense of determination. "I could undoubtedly find some valuable components for my future ship at a reasonable price here," he mused with excitement, his eyes still fixed on the old starship that dwarfed its surroundings.

Drawing Gobo's attention to his discovery, Alex pointed at the half-intact behemoth. "An old ship," he declared, causing Gobo to sigh and massage his bald forehead.

 

"You rascal," Gobo exclaimed with disdain.

Alex's expression turned serious as he retorted, "Don't you dare back out from our deal. You owe me the money."

"I'm not heartless," Gobo continued, his tone tinged with concern. "Just promise me no shenanigans. Remember last time when you almost died trying to fix that cursed FTL Hype drive?" 

 

“I swear on the name you gave me I will not cause trouble. Deal?” Alex was very honest. He was very serious about his words. He did fuck up last time. The fact that Gobo put up with it was astounding to him and he would try to earn his trust and then work on it secretly.

 

“You’re banned from working on anything over lv 10 tech okay while dismantling it. Otherwise, we can forget the deal. We can always search for something else”

 

Alex vigorously nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of Gobo's warning.

Approaching the vendor, Gobo and Alex found the vendor engrossed in fixing a terminal at his shop, creating an air of focused diligence around him.

 

Approaching him with curiosity, Gobo initiated the conversation as Alex observed the interaction. 

"Tell me, how much for that relic of junk? I have taken a liking to it," Gobo inquired.

 

The vendor, a lanky alien resembling an insectoid, paused briefly while meticulously cleaning its wings with a pair of its hands.

 

"5000 Units," the shopkeeper replied.

 

Gobo's eyes furrowed, revealing a mix of confusion and amusement. Alex couldn't hide his astonishment. "5000 units? What in axions name are you talking about?" Alex asked, puzzled.

 

"That's enough to buy a new starship part," Alex added, astonished at the exorbitant price.

 

The offered price caught Gobo off guard, and he quickly surveyed the shop, noting the lack of customer traffic. Despite this, he was a skilled negotiator, and he wasn't about to back down easily.

"5000? No way," Gobo retorted, his voice tinged with bitterness at the amount. "Let's not be unreasonable. This ship isn't even a registered 145-1189 model range. Your asking price is outrageous for a relic of a bygone era, wouldn't you agree?"

 

The shopkeeper remained steadfast in their stance. "No.... 5000. No more, no less," they insisted, refusing to budge on the price.

 

"Is that so," Gobo mused, unfazed by the vendor's resolve.

 

"Where did you get the ship, huh? Such relics aren't even found in museums. Perhaps we should call the Starline bureau together to verify its origins," Gobo proposed, slyly hinting at the potential consequences of trading an unregistered ship.

 

The insectoid shopkeeper's expression turned pale as his wing fluttered, revealing its worry and panic. Trading unregistered ships was a serious offense, carrying severe penalties or even imprisonment. 

 

Gobo relished in the fear he witnessed in the vendor. "Look, I'm willing to take it off your hands for a more... reasonable sum. How about 1300? That's fair," he suggested a hint of amusement in his smile. It was a clear ultimatum for the shopkeeper either accept the offer or face the consequences of dealing with an unregistered ship.

  

The vendor's eyes focused on his stature, the allure of Gobo's words tempting him to reconsider. With a small screech of dissatisfaction, he relented.

 

“Take it and leave”

 Accepting a sum of 1300 that Gobo had skillfully negotiated. It was a testament to the midget alien's persuasive abilities as well as his knowledge about starships.

 

As the vendor handed over the vessel's ownership papers and a hologramic digital signature Gobo's grin widened. Alex grinned behind the mask proud of his father figure.

 

"You are decades early to pull this bullshit on me," Gobo said. "You made a good deal for something this old and torn."

 

With the deal sealed, Gobo turned to the people standing around near the shop wearing orange color fabric. They were managing goods and transportation in the area. Gobo approached them and wanted to just get on with it.

 

"All right, you lot!" he bellowed, his voice booming despite his small stature. "I’ve got a ship to salvage. Let's get this ship back to my shop, pronto! Follow me!" gobo said to the workers.

 

The workers exchanged glances and nodded.

With a loud booming voice, the alien said.

 

“Cargo Shipment on the 7. Load up”

 

With a collective sigh, they followed Gobo's lead along with Alex, preparing to undertake the arduous task of transporting the colossal starship to his shop.

 

Meanwhile, amidst the commotion, Alex observed the unfolding scene with a mixture of amusement and resignation as he watched a massive-sized ship being towed by huge machinery.

 

“The size was breathtaking, to say the least, “Alex thought as he looked at the ship with awe. He had become accustomed to Gobo's exploitative nature and understood the task that just walked into the job.

 

“Here goes my week off,” he said under his breath. Though he was annoyed. It was just another job.

 

Instead of sulking, Alex focused on the task at hand, mentally preparing himself for the grueling work that awaited him.

 

As the relic starship was carefully secured and towed to the massive backyard for transport, Alex approached Gobo with caution, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

 

"Thanks. I didn't think you would buy me this," he remarked, a wry smile playing on his lips. "I hope you're not planning on making me single-handedly dismantle this behemoth. Have some-"

 

Gobo snorted, his eyes narrowing with grumpiness, but a smile peeked through.

"You're on your own, kid. Don't mess it up."

 

Alex sighed, his annoyance palpable, and shot back, "Oh, what an honor," he muttered. "I can already feel the excitement."

 

Gobo smirked, relishing in his grumpy demeanor, his voice exuding a touch of satisfaction.

"I didn't say I would help you, did I? You could have chosen anything, but you picked this. Alex," Gobo retorted. "No one else will touch it. I'm trusting you with this one. Have fun. You can keep the profits from it." Gobo said as he walked away into the shop.

Alex rolled his eyes, grumbling with mild frustration.

 

"And you wonder why people call you a tyrant, gobo," Alex replied sarcastically under his breath.

 

Bracing himself for the laborious work ahead, Alex silently vowed to prove his worth while harboring a secret curiosity about the secrets this starship might hold.

 

The starship towered before Alex, its massive form was now laid in the workshop's open garage. its pizza slice shape is unmistakable even from a distance. As you approach, you can see the scars of countless battles etched into its once-pristine hull. The once-bright colors have faded and peeled away, leaving behind a patchwork of dull grays and rusted browns. The thrusters at the back are caked with soot and grime, and some of the panels on the sides hang loose, revealing a glimpse of the ship’s inner workings.

 

The wide back is dominated by the massive thrusters, their exhaust ports blackened from years of use. It was a relic of a bygone era with its design dating back so much that he hadn’t seen a design of a ship like this since he had been working as a child. The design was different and more bulky. The hull had the scars of countless s journeys, each scratch and dent told a story. Time had taken its toll, leaving the vessel worn and weathered. Alex approached the ship, his gaze swept across its exterior, taking in its weathered yet minimalistic design. The sleek curves and sharp edges hinted at a time when aesthetics and functionality seamlessly intertwined.

 

Despite its battered appearance, the ship exudes a sense of rugged determination, as if it has faced down impossible odds and emerged victorious time and time again.

 

Talking tour in the inner sections of the ship, it was a maze of corridors and rooms, all worn down from years of use. The walls are scuffed and dented, and the floors are stained with oil and grease. The crew quarters are cramped and cluttered, with personal belongings spilling out of lockers and bunks. Alex's fingertips traced the faded engravings on the control panels, feeling the faint remnants of what once were vibrant symbols he didn’t understand or knew the origins of. Looking at a screen and buttons, switches, and dials, an intricate tapestry of technology that had long been surpassed by newer, more efficient systems. Yet, there was a certain beauty in its antiquity, a charm that whispered of an era when space exploration was a daring adventure into the unknown.

 

Lost in the ship's design, Alex's thoughts turned inward. He pondered the ship's past, the lives it had carried, and the dreams it had fulfilled.

 

“The people riding it must be old. This ship dates back millenniums” he thought as he looked around more.

 

As Alex delved into the ship's dismantling process, his eyes scanned every nook and cranny. He marveled at the intricate machinery, his fingers tracing the faded engravings on the control panels. It was during this meticulous exploration that he stumbled upon a hidden compartment concealed within the ship's storage sector.

 

“Huh. Let’s put on an energy shield” Alex said as he tapped his tool on his wrist. A glow started covering his body as he waited.

 

His fingers brushed against a hidden compartment. a secret pocket nestled within a section of walls of the captains sleeping quarters. With a mix of trepidation and excitement, he pried it open.

 

“I wonder what I will find,” Alex said with excitement.

 

Alex pried it open by pushing a button on the storage compartment. The compartment opened with both-sided openings diagonally. The panel gave way, revealing a small, unassuming device. Its appearance was both futuristic and antiquated, a cube adorned with neon lights that flickered to life, casting a glow in the dimly lit area of the starship.

 

Alex's eyes widened as he took in the intricate design of the cube. On one side of the cube, there was a panel with an array of symbols etched into its surface. The symbols seemed to pulse with energy.

 

“What is this? Looks like a codex but it’s so bizarre that I’m not sure,” he said in awe as he scanned with his prime tool on his left wrist.

 

Curiosity tugged at him, urging him to uncover the codex's purpose. His fingers trembled slightly as he traced the contours of the symbols on the panel. They felt cool and smooth to the touch.

 

Nestled within the panel was a small indentation, barely visible. With a mixture of apprehension and resolve, Alex pressed his fingertip into the indentation, feeling a satisfying click as it slid into place.

 

In an instant, the panel came alive with a soft hum. Neon lights embedded within the codex glowed with intensity. A holographic display materialized before Alex, hovering in the air, revealing intricate ship schematics and a series of data fields. As he tapped a video log a hologram recording started playing.

 

Alex's heart raced as he saw something he never saw in his entire life.

“Wait humans? The look familiar.. like me.. Are they like me?”

 

The holographic interface awaited his command as it concluded the video log. He found that he could not understand the language. His mind raced with the thought to divulge the long-forgotten stories held within its depths.

 

“A history codex bank. So, is this ship built by humans?” his gaze went everywhere with the rusty worn ship.

 

Without a moment's hesitation, Alex decided to keep his discovery hidden from Gobo. He knew the gobo wouldn't appreciate the true value of the codex, dismissing it as mere clutter. But to Alex, it was a gateway to a forgotten past. Something to find his race. His people..

 

“I found something priceless. The forgotten history of my race or something along those lines. Weird, It’s even giving out a signal for some coordinates.”

 

As Alex dismantled the starship continued, Alex's mind raced with possibilities. He resolved to follow the strange signal emanating from the codex, determined to trace its source and uncover the mystery. A secret mission unfolded before him, one that would take him beyond the confines of Gobo's shop and into a world unknown.

 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across Daixon City, Alex felt something that he didn’t know he had. As tears streamed from his eyes.

 

“I’m not alone. They are others out there" Alex said.

 

He knew that his and the path ahead would be filled with challenges and revelations. With the codex safely hidden beneath his mechanic's jumpsuit, he left the workshop as he dawned his cat rope disguise. It had become second nature to him to wear it since he was a child.

 

In the darkness of the night, under a sky adorned with countless stars. The weight of the codex pressed against his chest. Guided by the strange signal, he embarked on a personal quest. Alex's footsteps echoed in the silent streets as he made his way to where the codex led him.