Cosmic Curios
The Lumeneris' systems remained stubbornly unresponsive, leaving the crew with no choice but to dock at a nearby space station for repairs and a much-needed resupply. This particular station, nestled within a bustling asteroid belt, boasted a reputation as a haven for traders, smugglers, and anyone else willing to trade in the fringes of galactic society.
Anya, Kai, and Ren stepped onto the station with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. The air crackled with an cacophony of alien languages and the pungent aroma of unknown spices. Stalls overflowed with an astonishing array of goods: glistening jewels from pulsating nebulae, shimmering fabrics woven from spider silk harvested on gas giants, even deactivated miniature droids advertised as "slightly used, great conversation starters."
A particularly flamboyant Xylar, adorned with shimmering purple scales and a mischievous grin, accosted them. "Welcome, travelers! Behold! The finest collection of cosmic curiosities in the galaxy! Need a rare space squid tentacle for that special someone? Perhaps a lucky charm forged from the core of a dying star? Look no further!"
Anya politely declined, but Ren, his eyes sparkling with scientific curiosity, lingered at a stall displaying an array of pulsating crystals. "These readings are fascinating," he muttered, his goggles whirring as he scanned the crystals. "I've never encountered anything like them before."
The vendor, a gruff-looking Togruta with a cybernetic eyepatch, chuckled. "Ah, these beauties are from the Xhosian Nebula. Supposedly hold memories of forgotten civilizations. Though, last guy who bought one claimed he heard voices telling him to steal the station's main reactor."
Anya shot Ren a withering look as he hurriedly deactivated his goggles. "Let's just stick to the essentials, Ren," she sighed.
They eventually found a reputable repair stall, manned by a gruff but efficient mechanic. While waiting for repairs, Anya found herself drawn to a stall selling handcrafted trinkets. The vendor, a wrinkled old woman with a warm smile, offered her a simple bracelet woven from stargrass.
"Anya, isn't it?" the woman said, her voice surprisingly melodic. "This bracelet will guide you home, should you ever feel lost."
Anya blinked, surprised. How did this woman know her name? But the woman simply winked and said, "The galaxy has ears, child. And sometimes, it offers a helping hand."
Intrigued, Anya purchased the bracelet, its smooth texture a comforting presence on her wrist.