SLRC-BCV>Devil's_Due and The Parrot's Prophecy

[Stoner_Steve]

The air was thick with the scent of ozone and the hum of machinery. Sean stood on the loading dock, a mountain of iridium ore looming before him. Two zoner merchants, each with their own spiel, vied for his attention. "Highest quality, best price," one claimed. "Direct from the asteroid fields," the other countered.

Sean sighed. He could spend hours haggling, weighing the pros and cons of each deal. But he had a better idea. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he called out, "Polly!"

A colorful blur darted out from the cargo hold, landing on Sean's shoulder. "Alright, bird brain," he said, pointing at the two zoners. "Pick one."

The parrot squawked and hopped from shoulder to shoulder, examining the two merchants with a critical eye. After a moment of deliberation, it pointed a beady eye at one of the zoners. The chosen zoner beamed, while the other slumped in disappointment.

"Well, there you have it," Sean announced. "The Oracle has spoken."

The Bristol crew, watching the bizarre spectacle, exchanged amused glances. They were eager to return to the safety and routine of their shipyard. The Consortium, with its chaotic missions and eccentric captains, was a far cry from the structured world they were accustomed to.