Grey Stone Station felt different on their second visit, less threatening, more businesslike. The Prosperity's Edge docked without incident, the station's automated systems processing their approach and taking the docking fee. The failed extortion attempt from their first visit seemed to have established their reputation; dock workers nodded respectfully as Tanya, Amara, and Janet made their way through the asteroid's carved corridors.
"Remember," Amara said as they approached the high-security section, "let me handle the negotiations. Kozlov strikes me as someone who appreciates directness over diplomacy, but there are still protocols to follow."
The sculpture rested in a specially designed containment case, its quantum-aligned materials dormant but still radiating subtle patterns that made their scanners malfunction. Even shielded, the artifact's presence seemed to affect the emotional atmosphere around them. Conversations in nearby corridors were quieter, more thoughtful, as if the sculpture's consciousness-bridging properties extended beyond its immediate vicinity.
Bay 47 looked exactly as they'd left it, but Dmitri Kozlov's expression when they entered his office suggested he'd done considerable research since their last meeting.
"Ms Furrow," he said without preamble, his eyes fixed on Tanya with the intensity of someone who'd suddenly recognised a dangerous predator. "Or should I say, Bonded host of Sage the gardener?"
Tanya was shocked, but she had been training to control her emotions, so she was able to hide it. Amara's hand moved instinctively toward her concealed weapon she had got passed the scanner, while Janet tensed for immediate action. But Kozlov's posture remained relaxed, almost amused by their reactions.
"How?" Tanya asked simply.
"Someone in my business learns to recognise certain signatures," Kozlov replied, settling back in his chair. "But your reputation precedes you; you are well known in certain circles. It is important in this line of work to be well informed."
He gestured toward their containment case. "Plus, frankly, bringing objects like that onto a station is a sure giveaway. Also, rumours that have been circulating since your dramatic departure from Eden-Five."
"What kind of rumours?" Amara asked carefully.
"The kind that suggests Imperial Intelligence is very interested in a certain shipwright who demonstrated impossible navigation technologies at a trade exhibition." Kozlov's smile was sharp but not unfriendly. "The kind that mentions unknown vessels with capabilities that exceed anything in current military databases."
Tanya was resigned to the fact this would be her life now . "And that doesn't concern you?"
"On the contrary, it makes you exponentially more interesting as a business partner." Kozlov leaned forward with genuine enthusiasm. "I've been operating in grey markets for thirty years, and the most profitable relationships have always been with people who possess capabilities that others consider impossible."
He stood and activated privacy screens that came to life with electronic countermeasures. "I don't want details about your situation. In my business, ignorance is often the difference between profit and prosecution. But I will say this. If you can deliver materials like what you've described, and if you have access to technologies that governments consider strategic assets, then we have the foundation for a very lucrative partnership."
Tanya exchanged glances with Amara and Janet before activating the containment case. The sculpture emerged like something from a dream made solid, its quantum-aligned components immediately beginning their dance of light and resonance. The office's atmosphere shifted palpably as the artifact responded to their presence, creating patterns that somehow made the sterile business environment feel more alive, more connected.
Kozlov stared at the sculpture for a full minute, his expression cycling through awe, calculation, and something approaching religious wonder.
"This is impossible," he said finally. "These patterns... the consciousness-bridging effects... this represents material science that isn't in our databases."
"It's functional art," Janet said. "Beauty that serves a purpose beyond aesthetics."
"It's exquisite," Kozlov corrected, his voice carrying the reverence of a true connoisseur. "The craftsmanship, the way it affects the surrounding... this belongs in a collection, not a research laboratory."
He circled the sculpture slowly, studying it from multiple angles as it responded to his presence with shifting patterns of light. "I've spent thirty years acquiring pieces that represent the pinnacle of various civilisations' achievements. But this..."
He paused, watching the sculpture's luminescence shift in response to his emotional state. "This represents something entirely new."
"We're not selling the sculpture," Amara said firmly, then caught herself as she recognised the collector's passion in Kozlov's expression. "However, we might consider placing it in the right collection. If the terms were appropriate."
Kozlov's attention snapped to her with laser intensity. "You'd consider a permanent placement?"
"For the right partnership," Amara replied carefully. "Something long-term, mutually beneficial. This piece would be the centerpiece of any collection."
"And what kind of partnership are you seeking?"
"Advanced fabrication equipment," Tanya replied. "Plus ongoing access to rare materials and components markets that aren't available through conventional channels."
"In exchange for artifacts like this one?"
"In exchange for a relationship that benefits both parties. We have access to materials and technologies that don't exist elsewhere. You have a network of contacts that can provide the equipment we need."
Kozlov was quiet for several moments, studying the sculpture's shifting patterns while calculating risks and potential profits. The sculpture seemed to respond to his contemplation, its luminescence shifting to deeper hues that conveyed both possibility and caution.
"I can provide what you're seeking," he said finally. "But not directly. Equipment of the type you're describing is carefully monitored by multiple government agencies. Direct sales would attract attention neither of us wants."
He activated a holographic interface, calling up shipping manifests and contact lists. "However, I know people in various legitimate industries who occasionally experience... inventory discrepancies. Manufacturing facilities that lose track of equipment during routine transfers. Transport companies where cargo containers sometimes arrive empty despite proper documentation."
"For a price," Amara observed.
"Everything has a price. But in this case, the price includes more than money. These people would be taking significant risks, and they'll want assurance that their... losses... serve worthwhile purposes."
Tanya studied the contact information Kozlov was displaying—names and locations scattered across multiple star systems, legitimate businesses with carefully maintained reputations. "What kind of assurance?"
"The kind that comes from working with someone whose reputation exceeds their apparent resources." Kozlov's smile was knowing. "Word travels fast in grey market circles. You will need to create a reputation for yourself."
He transferred the contact files to Amara's tablet. "I'll provide introductions and vouch for your capabilities. In return, you'll deliver artifacts or materials like this sculpture on a schedule we negotiate. Think of it as retainer payments that establish mutual trust."
"How often?" Amara asked, already running calculations.
"Quarterly deliveries, minimum value to be determined based on fabrication equipment costs. Plus first option on any truly exceptional discoveries from your salvage operations."
The negotiations continued for another hour, covering delivery schedules, payment methods, and the careful protocols necessary to maintain operational security. By the time they finished, Tanya felt like she'd just signed a contract with forces far more dangerous than simple criminal enterprises.
"One question," she said as they prepared to leave. "Why are you willing to take these risks? The potential profits are significant, but so are the dangers if governments decide we're strategic threats."
Kozlov's expression grew thoughtful. "Because I've been in this business long enough to recognise inflection points. The galaxy is changing, old technology is now new technology, shifting power balances, and conflicts that threaten to reshape everything we understand about interstellar politics. Traditional grey market operations focus on existing scarcity. But you... you represent new abundance. Technologies that could eliminate scarcity in multiple industries."
He gestured toward the sculpture, which continued its gentle dance of consciousness-responsive light. "That artifact alone could transform how sapient beings interact with their environments. Scale that up to fleet operations, industrial applications, social infrastructure... we're not just talking about profits. We're talking about being present at the creation of entirely new markets."
The journey back to Genesis gave them time to process what they'd committed to. The Prosperity's Edge slipped through vortex space with the efficiency of a ship designed for regular travel, but Tanya found her attention focused inward rather than on navigation displays.
"We're really doing this," Janet said, reviewing the contact files Kozlov had provided. "Grey market partnerships, black market equipment acquisition, technology development that governments consider strategic assets."
"It's the only way to build what we need," Amara replied pragmatically. "Legal channels would take decades and require oversight we can't afford. This approach lets us maintain independence while accessing capabilities that would otherwise be impossible."
Tanya nodded, though part of her wondered how many compromises they'd make in pursuit of their peacekeeping goals. "As long as we remember why we're doing this. The equipment is just a means to an end."
The next few days aboard Genesis were consumed with logistics and planning. Amara established communication protocols with Kozlov's contacts, negotiating delivery schedules and payment methods through encrypted channels that routed through multiple relay stations. The first shipment of "misplaced" fabrication equipment was already en route to a neutral waystation where they could collect it without questions.
But success brought new challenges. Advanced manufacturing capabilities meant they could begin serious ship construction, but that raised questions about crew recruitment, training programs, and operational logistics that extended far beyond simple engineering problems.
"We'll need pilots," Cameron observed during one of their planning sessions. "Not just ship operators, but people who understand our mission and can maintain operational discipline under pressure."
"Plus maintenance crews, medical personnel, communications specialists," Janet added. "A peacekeeping fleet requires more than just advanced ships."
"And we'll need to continue salvage operations to fund expansion," Amara noted. "Plus maintain our relationship with Kozlov by delivering artifacts on schedule."
The challenges were mounting, but so was their sense of purpose. Each solved problem brought them closer to fielding ships that could actively prevent conflicts rather than simply responding to their aftermath.
Their discussions were interrupted by arrival at their next salvage target, it was a massive energy signature that drifted alone in deep vortex space like a monument to forgotten violence.
"Contact confirmed," Cameron announced from the sensor station. "It's definitely artificial, approximately two kilometers in length. Configuration suggests military vessel, probably battleship class based on the mass distribution."
Through Genesis's viewports, they could see their target: a dark hulk that had once been among the most powerful ships in someone's navy. Even dead and drifting, it commanded respect—the kind of vessel that had been built to project force across interstellar distances.
"Now that's going to be a salvage operation worth remembering," Drew said with satisfaction.