[##:##] Command : buy <ITEM> <LOT#> <BID/UNIT> <DEST>
The buy command allows nations to purchase commodities on the open market. Not all commodities can be traded -- notably civilians and military.
It is based on a bidding system, and after the bidding time has passed, the transactions are executed, and the highest bidder gets the goods (maybe.) If there are no bidders once the time passes, the goods stay on the market and the first bidder will get them.
Typical output looks like:
[##:##] Command : buy food
Empire Market Report
Wed Mar 13 14:26:26 1996
lot high bid by time left owner item amount sector
--- -------- -- --------- ----- ---- ------ ------
0 $ 10.00 1 0.00 hrs ( 1) f 10
1 $ 1.00 1 0.00 hrs ( 1) f 10
Looks just like Christmas at K-mart, doesn't it!
Which lot are you bidding on: 1
How much per unit: 2
destination sector : 3,1
Your bid is being considered.
In addition, the destination sector must be a warehouse or harbor, and must be greater than 60% efficient to receive commodities.