Page 70 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol. 1
“Incoming message from Vagantu,”SILMAR announces.
So, this is it. The moment’s finally here.
I settle into my command chair and accept the call. A visual pops up on the right side of my screen—a Srebat, unmistakable with his long muzzle and dark fur.
“Greetings. I’m Noviosk, head of Vagantu,”he says.
The head of this whole trafficking operation. What an honor.
“Hey, Noviosk. I’m Pherebos.”
“I know who you are,”he replies without missing a beat.“You’re Asgarnian. The only one known to date.”
I stay silent. Let him make the next move. I’m not giving him more than I have to.
“I understand two of our associates took it upon themselves to escort you here,”he continues.“Frankly, I’m not thrilled. You haven’t proven yourself yet, and their judgment… isn’t exactly top-tier.”
"I don’t like this one, but at least he’s got a clear read on the two guys who brought us to him,"Wingo comments.
“Yeah, I’m with you on that,”I reply.“I usually don’t trust Srebat. They’re cold and calculating—less so than the Penubians, I’ll give you that—but still.”
“How long have you been in the trade?”he asks, narrowing his eyes.
“Four years,” I say calmly. “Didn’t realize there was a minimum time requirement to get an invite.”
“What’s your angle, then?”
“I’m not into big ops,” I say with a shrug. “I track down old Confederation wrecks and strip them for parts. Nothing flashy, but it pays.”
“With your potential, why haven’t you branched out?”he asks, raising a brow—though it’s hard to tell under all that fur.
“It’s not laziness,” I say. “I just like to save my energy for the things that matter.”
“Hmm. A shame,”he says.“You could do a lot more with your unique Asgarnian status.”
He starts probing again—asking about my homeworld, my origins. I let him talk. I’m not biting. Let him wonder.
After a long silence—he’s probably sizing me up—he finally speaks again.
“What brings you here?”he asks.“And what do you have to buy or sell?”
“I’m just looking for some company,” I say, keeping my tone casual. “Hoping to find a woman… a Human, if possible. I want to choose for myself. I’ve got the cash.”
“And what do you have to offer?”he presses.“Let me be clear—ship parts won’t cut it here. Your usual tricks won’t work this time.”
“Looks like he’s already done his homework on you,”Wingo notes dryly.
I hesitate. ‘’I might have some of the latest Confed tech schematics.’’
It’s a gamble, but I’ve got a hunch.
“You think he knows who’s leaking those plans to the Coalition?”Wingo wonders aloud.
“I’m afraid I’m already in contact with someone who can supply me with that kind of material,”Noviosk replies, flashing a cold, predatory smile.“If you don’t have anything better, I’ll have to deny your request to access the auction.”
“I’ve also got Asgarnian weapons,” I add. “Double-bladed daggers.”
Even through his stoic demeanor, I see his eyes light up.
