Bobby watched as the two Kra'zak factions established their defences. Qur'zak's clan erected organic barricades with fluid efficiency, their multiple arms allowing them to multitask as they fortified their position. In contrast, Cy-Tek's group deployed automated turrets and energy fields with mechanical precision. The stark difference between their methods sent a chill down Bobby's spine.

Between these two fortified zones, a pair of tables materialised from thin air. Bobby blinked, wondering if he'd missed something or if Kra'zak technology was just that advanced.

"Let's get this over with," Bobby muttered under his breath as he approached the tables.

Qur'zak and Cy-Tek took their positions, one at each table. Bobby stood between them, aware of the power dynamic at play. He felt exposed, yet strangely empowered. The collars in his hands were his lifeline, his bargaining chips in this high-stakes game.

Bobby's eyes darted between the two groups, noting the stark differences in their appearance and demeanour. Qur'zak's clan exuded a primal, almost predatory energy, while Cy-Tek's followers radiated cold, calculated efficiency.

As the negotiation began, Bobby felt sweat beading on his forehead. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, each word potentially tipping the scales between a favourable deal and a violent end.

Bobby placed a collar on each table, his heart racing as he watched Qur'zak and Cy-Tek approach their respective artifacts. Qur'zak moved with fluid grace. As he reached the table, a strange appendage unfurled from his mottled grey skin.

The appendage looked like a cross between a tentacle and a proboscis, covered in tiny, pulsating sensors. It snaked towards the collar, hovering just above its surface. Bobby watched, transfixed, as the appendage changed colour, shifting through various hues as it absorbed information from the collar.

On the other side, Cy-Tek approached with mechanical precision. He placed a sleek, metallic plate on the table, the surface shimmering with pale blue energy. With a series of clicks and whirs, Cy-Tek positioned the collar on the plate.

A holographic display sprang to life above the plate. Bobby's eyes widened as he saw a three-dimensional representation of the collar floating in the air. Data streams scrolled alongside the image, detailing intricate specifications and measurements. The hologram rotated, revealing every facet of the collar's design.

Bobby found himself mesmerised by the stark contrast between the two examination methods. Qur'zak's approach seemed almost primitive, yet there was an undeniable sophistication to his biological sensors. Cy-Tek's technology, on the other hand, was a marvel of engineering, providing a wealth of data at a glance.

As he observed, Bobby couldn't help but wonder about the implications of these different approaches. Qur'zak seemed to gather information on a more intuitive, perhaps even emotional level. In contrast, Cy-Tek appeared to be processing pure data, divorced from any subjective interpretation.

Bobby stood still, barely daring to breathe, as he waited for their reactions.

Qur'zak's appendage retracted, its colour settling into a deep, pulsating purple. Cy-Tek's holographic display flickered and disappeared, the metallic plate retracting into his arm with a soft whir.

Both leaders turned their attention to Bobby, their alien gazes boring into him. He fought the urge to step back, reminding himself of the importance of appearing strong in this negotiation.

Qur'zak spoke first, his voice a guttural rumble that seemed to emanate from multiple throats at once. "The artifact pulses with life-energy, yet its potency... disappoints. Like unripe fruit, it lacks full flavour."

Cy-Tek's response came in sharp, staccato bursts, each word precisely enunciated. "Analysis complete. Collar power output: 37.8% below projected parameters. Efficiency rating: suboptimal. Value assessment: requires recalculation."

Bobby's mind raced. Are they disappointed, or is this just a ploy to lower the price? He wondered. His years on the force had taught him to read people, but these aliens were on a whole different level. He recalled Mic's earlier words about Kra'zak respecting strength. If I show any weakness now, we're done for. But if I push too hard... He took a deep breath, steadying himself. No choice but to play this out and hope for the best.

"Gentle…aliens," Bobby said, his voice steady, "I think you're underestimating the value of these artifacts. They're not just any ordinary pieces of tech."

He paused, observing their reactions. Qur'zak's multiple eyes blinked in rapid succession, while Cy-Tek remained unnervingly still.

"Look," Bobby continued, injecting a note of confidence into his voice, "I may not know everything about these collars, but I've seen what they can do. They're powerful. If you're not interested, that's fine. I'm sure there are plenty of other buyers out there who'd jump at this opportunity."

Bobby reached for the collars, his movements slow and deliberate. "Maybe I misjudged the situation. If these aren't up to your standards, I'll just take my business elsewhere."

He held his breath, hoping his bluff would pay off.

Bobby felt a tug on his sleeve and glanced down to see Mic's worried face.

"Oh, um, Bobby, are you sure that's—" Mic started, his voice quavering.

Bobby cut him off with a subtle shake of his head. "Trust me," he whispered. "We can't back down now."

Mic hesitated, then nodded, stepping back. Bobby returned his attention to the Kra'zak, his hands still hovering over the collars.

A change rippled through both Kra'zak groups. Qur'zak's multiple eyes blinked in rapid succession, while Cy-Tek's cybernetic implants whirred and clicked. It was as if some silent communication had passed between them.

Qur'zak's voice rumbled, "We wish to examine the other collar."

Almost simultaneously, Cy-Tek's metallic voice chimed in, "Request access to the second artifact for analysis."

Bobby blinked, surprised by their synchronised demand. He glanced between the two groups, noting the sudden intensity in their alien gazes.

Bobby watched as both Kra'zak leaders examined the second collar. Qur'zak's sensory appendage once again unfurled, probing the artifact with its pulsating sensors. Meanwhile, Cy-Tek's holographic display flickered to life, data streams scrolling alongside a rotating 3D image of the collar.

As they completed their analysis, Bobby noticed a change in their demeanour. The dismissive attitude from earlier had vanished, replaced by a keen interest that made him uneasy.

Cy-Tek was the first to speak, his metallic voice carrying a hint of eagerness. "We have reconsidered. We are prepared to make a trade."

Before Bobby could respond, Qur'zak rumbled, "As are we. Your artifacts will... suffice."

Both Kra'zak leaders made swift, alien gestures to their respective groups. Qur'zak raised two of his arms, making a series of intricate movements. In response, there was a flurry of activity around their sleek spacecraft. Hatches opened, and more Kra'zak emerged, carrying various crates and containers.

Cy-Tek tapped a series of commands into a panel on his arm. The ground beneath them trembled, and Bobby heard the whir of machinery. From their transport, a Kra'zak appeared, laden with one large metallic case.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Bobby glanced at Mic, who nodded, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and excitement. It seemed their gamble was about to pay off.

Bobby watched as Cy-Tek approached with the large metallic case. The alien set it down with a heavy thud and pressed a button on its surface. The case unfolded with a series of mechanical whirs and clicks, revealing its contents.

Bobby's heart sank as he saw the hover bike within. It was far from the sleek, powerful vehicle he had imagined. Instead, it looked like it had seen better days - much better days. Large portions of its armour were missing, exposing the inner workings. The weapon mounts were empty, leaving the bike looking vulnerable and incomplete.

"This isn't what we agreed on," Bobby started, his voice tight with disappointment. "The bike's in terrible condition, and there are no weapons-"

Cy-Tek cut him off mid-sentence, his metallic voice cold and unyielding. "It's a fair trade for the collar. Take it or leave it."

Bobby felt a surge of frustration. He opened his mouth to argue further, but Cy-Tek's unwavering stance made him hesitate. He glanced at Mic, seeking some guidance, but the gnome's expression was a mix of worry and resignation.

Bobby turned his attention to Qur'zak as they unveiled their offerings. His eyes widened as he took in the array of advanced technology before him.

The first item was a sleek rifle. Bobby hoped it was a neutron blaster, though he had no way of knowing. Its design was unlike anything he'd seen before, with pulsing energy conduits running along its length and a grip that seemed designed for multiple alien hands.

Next to the weapon lay a set of what appeared to be basic combat armour. The material was unfamiliar to Bobby, neither metal nor fabric, but something in between. It shimmered in the light, hinting at properties beyond mere physical protection.

Finally, Bobby's gaze fell upon a bare exoskeleton suit. The framework was intricate, a network of joints and servos that promised enhanced strength and agility. However, like the hover bike, it seemed incomplete. Large sections were missing, and exposed wires dangled from various connection points.

Bobby's mind raced as he assessed the offerings. The equipment was advanced. But the incomplete nature of some items gave him pause. He glanced between Qur'zak and Cy-Tek, noting their expectant stares.

Qur'zak spoke, his voice a low rumble. "Our offer stands before you. Decide."

Bobby felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He looked at Mic, whose expression was a mix of anticipation and concern. Then he turned back to the Kra'zak, his mind working furiously to find the best path forward.

Mic tugged at his sleeve. "Oh, um, Bobby... I think this might be the best offer we're going to get. You see, these Kra'zak, they're not exactly known for their, uh, generosity. Are we... are we sure we want to push our luck?"

A faint buzzing sound caught Bobby's attention, barely audible at first but growing steadily louder. He noticed both Qur'zak and Cy-Tek's postures stiffen, their alien features contorting in what he could only interpret as concern. The hair on the back of Bobby's neck stood up, a primal instinct warning him of impending danger. Something's coming, he realised, his hand moving closer to his weapon. Whatever it is, these Kra'zak fear it.

The Kra'zak on both sides shifted restlessly. Several of them started gesturing urgently towards devices that looked like scanners, their eyes darting between the screens and the sky.

Qur'zak's voice rumbled impatiently. "Your answer. Now."

Almost simultaneously, Cy-Tek's metallic tones cut through the air. "Time grows short. Decide."

Bobby felt the pressure mounting. He glanced at Mic, whose face was a mixture of fear and anticipation, then back at the offered items. The incomplete nature of some of the tech still bothered him, but the alternatives seemed increasingly limited.

"It's a deal." Bobby said.

As soon as Bobby uttered his agreement, Qur'zak and Cy-Tek snatched up the collars with startling speed. Their alien voices rose in a cacophony of guttural sounds and metallic tones, discussing the acquisition.

Before Bobby could process what was happening, the air filled with a buzzing that grew to a deafening roar. He looked up, and his eyes widened in terror as he beheld the monstrous entity erupting from behind the crumbling skyscraper.

A Nex Papilio, in all its nightmarish glory, emerged from the ruins. Its body stretched to the length of a city bus, a grotesque fusion of organic and mechanical components. The main body resembled a massive steel slug, glistening with an oily sheen that shifted colours in the fading light. From this base sprouted an array of appendages - some tentacle-like and flexible, others sharp and blade-like, all moving with unsettling purpose.

Rising from the slug-like body was a humanoid, insect like torso. Its carapace looked both organic and metallic, covered in intricate, swirling patterns that hurt Bobby's eyes if he stared too long. The creature's head was a twisted amalgamation of human and insect features. Multiple compound eyes glowed with an eerie, intelligent malevolence, while mandibles clicked and chittered hungrily.

But most striking of all were its wings - two pairs of enormous, wraith-like appendages that resembled those of a butterfly. They were translucent and shimmered with an otherworldly energy, creating distortions in the air as they beat.

As the Nex Papilio emerged, Bobby realised with horror that it wasn't alone. Behind it, a swarm of smaller, but no less terrifying, versions of the creature filled the sky like a living storm cloud.

Fuck, now there’s loads of them. I ain’t hanging around. Bobby thought.

The automated guns of Cy-Tek's forces whirred to life, spewing a barrage of energy bolts that lit up the sky like a frenzied lightning storm. Meanwhile, Qur'zak's clan launched volleys of organic projectiles – living weapons that twisted and writhed in mid-air as they sought their targets.

For a moment, Bobby dared to hope the Kra'zak defences would hold. But the Nex Papilio and its swarm moved with a terrifying, synchronised intelligence. Where one fell, three more took its place, their chitinous bodies providing a near-impenetrable shield for those behind.

Bobby’s horror grew as he watched a group of Qur’zak’s warriors being engulfed by a section of the swarm, their screams abruptly silenced as they vanished beneath a writhing mass organic limbs. On the other side, one of Cy-Tek's sentries exploded in a shower of sparks as a large Nex Papilio slammed into it, the creature's body bursting like a water balloon filled with acid, melting everything it touched.

The air filled with a noxious mix of ozone from energy weapons, acrid steam from the destroyed Nex Papilio, and the pungent smell of fear from both human and alien alike.

Bobby lunged for the combat armour, his hands fumbling with the unfamiliar material. He struggled to figure out how to put it on, the alien design confusing his muscle memory.

"Mic!" Bobby shouted over the din of battle. "Help me with this!"

As energy bolts and organic projectiles flew overhead, Bobby and Mic worked frantically to secure the armour. The shimmering material clung to Bobby's body, adjusting and tightening in ways he couldn't comprehend.

The Nex Papilio swarm descended upon the Kra'zak. The alien merchants, once so intimidating, now scattered in panic. Energy bolts and organic projectiles filled the air, but they seemed ineffective against the relentless insectoid creatures.

"Oh my, oh my! We need to move, now!" Mic shouted, his voice barely audible over the chaos as he fumbled with the sleek rifle, eventually slapping it onto Bobby's back. "It's, um, mag-locked. Quite clever really, but, oh dear - I'll explain later, shall I?"

Bobby nodded, his hands still fumbling with the unfamiliar combat armour. He glanced at the exoskeleton suit, realising there was no time to figure it out.

Mic seemed to read his mind. The gnome darted forward, pressing something on the suit that made it collapse into a more compact form. "Carry this!" he yelled, pushing it towards Bobby.

Without hesitation, Bobby scooped up the compressed exoskeleton and rushed towards the hover bike. Mic was already there, his small hands moving with surprising speed over the controls.

"Oh, goodness! Here, here!" Mic pointed, his fingers dancing over the controls. "Press this doohickey to start it - I think - and these thingamajigs should control speed and direction! At least, that's how it worked in the simulations... I hope."

Bobby's mind reeled, trying to absorb the instructions as quickly as possible. The bike hummed to life beneath him, its damaged frame vibrating ominously.

Mic hadn’t finished yet. He grabbed the exoskeleton from Bobby's arms and began attaching it to the back of the bike. "It'll hold!" Mic shouted.

The Nex Papilio, having decimated the Kra'zak forces, now turned their attention to the lone human and gnome. Their buzzing grew louder, hungry and menacing.

"Go, go!" Mic yelled, leaping onto his own Gearswizzle vehicle.

Bobby didn't need to be told twice. He gunned the hover bike's engine, praying it would hold together. The machine lurched forward, picking up speed as they fled the approaching swarm.

As they sped away, Bobby risked a final glance back. The trading site lay devastated, with Kra’zak defences reduced to rubble and acid-eaten remnants. The tables where they had negotiated were now unrecognisable heaps. Bobby's stomach churned at the sight of Kra'zak remains strewn across the battlefield. As they rounded a corner, the carnage disappeared from view, but the image remained seared into his mind.

The buzzing of the Nex Papilio grew fainter as they put distance between themselves and the chaos of the trading site. He glanced over his shoulder, relieved to see Mic keeping pace on his Gearswizzle contraption.

The hover bike wobbled beneath him, its damaged frame protesting the high speed. Bobby gritted his teeth, focusing on navigating the debris-strewn streets. The exoskeleton suit, hastily attached to the back of the bike, rattled with each bump and turn.

"Oh, um, Bobby! We need to head back to the ship!" Mic shouted over the wind, gesturing wildly towards the horizon where dark clouds were gathering. "Those clouds look awful, don't they? I mean, more ominous than usual in this dreadful place!"

Bobby nodded, "you have to take the lead then, as I don’t have a clue which way to go!"

Mic gunned his Gearswizzle ahead of him.

As they raced through the ruins of London, the adrenaline ebbed, leaving Bobby feeling drained. Instead, he focused on following Mic's erratic movements on the Gearswizzle, pushing the terrifying scene they'd left behind to the back of his mind.