Star Emperor

Andrew spent the whole next day thinking about what he did.

He knew that it was inevitable, as sooner or later he would be standing before a choice of killing someone or something or losing his own life.

It was just one of many reasons that he should not feel guilty about ending that alien, but no matter how much he tried to convince himself about it, he never felt any better about the whole thing.

The positive side was that he didn't have to worry about another attack coming his way for at least a while and he didn't have any nightmares like he expected, but that was it.

This experience however had taught him a valuable lesson.

If he ever lost, then he would most likely end like his opponent "DEAD".

This helped to motivate him as there was a whole universe of humans and presumably millions of other species that would come for him sooner or later and he had to be ready for whatever they might throw at him.

He awaited the arrival of the merchants, like never before as he had a long list of items and modules he wanted to buy, not to mention that there would probably be more things available this time as well.

To this end, he focused on gathering the most valuable materials to get as many credits as possible.

He needed to buy the materials he was unable to gather to begin production of his drones.

The drone recharge cycle took around three hours so he could easily triple or even quadruple the number of drones and still have a solid margin of free time on the recharging modules.

However, that would also require more material processing modules and much more storage space, not to mention many more solar power modules to provide adequate power for everything.

Well, that was the plan anyway so he might as well buy as much as he could since during their visit after that he planned to buy a research module and the computer core module.

While during this visit he had a few questions to ask the droids and he hoped that they would tell him what he wanted to know.

Soon enough it was time for the merchants to visit but this time they arrived in a bigger vessel than before, which was understandable, considering he now had much higher storage capacity and he was almost certain that the remaining station masters were also upgrading their stations.

-Greetings, station master.

Do you have materials for trade?

The droid spoke the routine lines once it entered the station.

This time the price of his resources was calculated at 5 935 000 credits which added to his remaining 400 000 got him 6 335 000 credits.

Andrew was satisfied with the price and agreed immediately.

If he wanted to he could get the research module right now, but it would left unable to buy what he needed.

-If you wish to purchase anything the updated list was uploaded to your console, also the time limit was extended.

The droid said.

But for some reason, it didn't leave like usual.

-Station master, we have a special offer for you this time.

Andrew was surprised as this was the first time this happened.

The droid stepped aside and its two companions entered escorting an alien.

It looked like a woman but looks could be deceiving especially since it was the first alien he saw.

-This station master sold herself into slavery under the condition that she would be sold only to another of her kind or a being that had similar biology to hers.

The Droid explained the situation.

Andrew was speechless, he had no idea that a station master could sell themselves into slavery or be bought for that matter.

Additionally, the robot introduced the slave as a female so at least this question was answered.

-How could I be sure that she would not end me in my sleep?

He asked the machine.

-A slavery chip was implanted immediately upon completing the slave contract and it prohibits the slave from hurting its master, no matter how much it tries.

Additionally, it gives the master full control over the slave if he so desires.

The droid answered.

-You are the first station master that fulfills the requirements for purchasing this slave so we offer you this deal.

Andrew thought for a while.

There were many arguments both ways and he didn't want to make a rushed decision.

-How much is the price of this slave?

Andrew asked.

The slave along with its station is priced at 2 250 000 credits.

The droid answered.

It was a tough decision, as he had more than enough of being alone, but on the other hand, it was a lot of credit and he had to consider his own needs.

-Can I see the list of modules at her station and are they compatible with mine?

He asked, deciding to gather more information.

-The information you requested was uploaded to your console.

Andrew took a look and was impressed at the amount of modules he would get and to make it even better they were compatible with his station.

After another moment of thought he made his decision.

-I will buy this slave.

Andrew decided.

The price was worth it, and at the very least he would not be alone anymore.

-Thank you for your patronage, and we hope that you will be satisfied with this purchase.

The droid said and took out a small ampule-like device.

-Please drop some of your DNA material into this device to bind the slavery chip to you.

Andrew did as he was told and dropped some of his blood into the device after using a small needle on its top to prick his finger.

-The chip is now genetically bound to you and from this moment on you have full control over the slave.

The funds have been deducted from your account.

All necessary information about the slave has been uploaded to your console along with the manual regarding the operation of the slavery chip.

The station will arrive with any modules you decide to purchase. 

The droid said and left with its companions leaving the alien woman behind.

She was standing in place like a statue with an absentminded look on her face.

Andrew decided to figure it out later, for now, he focused on getting everything he needed.