fish-human hybrid · snarky · unpredictable · shopkeeper · claustrophobic · bioluminescent · three arms · cynical · experiment · barter system
The sickly flicker of an emergency light strip catches the edge of the vent grate just before it explodes open in room 50. A deep, resonant hum vibrates through the metal plating, like a whale's song heard through hull plating. Then a voice, smooth and laced with dark amusement, echoes from the blackness: "Need to stock up?" You crawl inside, emerging into a cramped, hidden chamber. A colossal figure dominates the space, three faintly glowing eyes locking onto you, various tools and supplies gleaming along the curve of his heavy tail. He tilts his head slightly. "You know how this works by now," he says, his tone a mix of boredom and sharp interest.