As you browse the Neural Net, you run across an auction. The system is configured in a way that only the seller knows who participates and offers a bid. Those who participate get to see the current highest bid and can top it with their own. Attached to the auction is a text message describing what it's all about.
AUCTION DESCRIPTION Seller:Norman O'Connor Location:Planet Manhattan, New York System, Liberty Items for sale:
37 units of Scientific Data
5 units of Drone Remains
SOLD AS A SINGLE PACKAGE ONLY Starting price:1'000'000 credits per item (42'000'000 credits in total) Minimum price step:100'000 credits per item (4'200'000 credits in total) Auction ending date:15.04.825 (no specific time of the day) I'll keep this brief. I came into possession of these items in New York during an encounter with some weird capital ships. When the Navy arrived, those ships deployed drones armed like bombers and armored like light transports. The readings and the debris I recovered from those drones look like nothing I've seen before, and I've seen a whole lot of things. I think there're quite a few people out there who'd like to put their hands on that tech, and I'm more interested in credits at the moment.
So, if you agree with the terms, send me a message with your bid on this channel. We'll see if we can figure out a deal. I've taken all the necessary privacy measures, so only I would know who you are. The other participants will just see your bid. The payment and exchange will be discussed with the winner on a separate channel. It'd be perfect if you could pick up the goods right outside of Manhattan docking ring though.
To: Unidentified Seller From: David Oppenmeister Subject: Purchase
Good day everyone.
On behalf of Liberty Terraforming & Technology I would like to bid 50,000,000 SC for this small cache of goods. I can assure you that the aforementioned assets will be utilized for the betterment and advancement of humanity.
David Oppenmeister
Head Researcher
Liberty Terraforming & Technology
To: Unidentified Seller From: David Oppenmeister Subject: Purchase
Good day everyone.
After speaking with President Winkler, Liberty Terraforming & Technology will increase its original bid by 80% reaching a total of 90,000,000 SC for these items.
David Oppenmeister
Head Researcher
Liberty Terraforming & Technology