Gate bidding opened at noon on Friday, and the system turned into pure chaos.
Every first-year squad scrambled to secure spots in the upcoming rotation, with prices fluctuating by the minute based on demand. Tier 1 gates required five hundred credits minimum per person. Tier 2 jumped to a thousand. Tier 3 cost fifteen hundred.
Our squad pooled resources in the group chat.
Belle: I've got 2k saved. Can cover mine + someone else's if needed.
Jordan: 500. That's it. I spent everything on snacks.
Naomi: 1200. Most of my stipend went home but I kept some back.
Misato: 3k. I'll cover the shortfall. We're bidding Tier 2.
Me: I'm short. 500 total.
Belle: I'll cover you. But you owe me.
Me: Define 'owe.'
Belle: I'll think of something.
Naomi sent a separate private message: Are you okay? I can help if you need credits.
I replied: Belle's got me covered. Save your money for your family.
Naomi: Our family. You're part of that now.
