Gnawing Hunger.
The Guardian tactly closes the bedroom door behind him as he follows the woman inside. Careful not to make much noise.
Marin awkwardly braces herself to sit down on the bed. Poorly trying to hide her pain as she moves. "Thanks for coming by, Guardian," she says as she props up her cane against the wall near the head of her bed.
"I'll be back soon. I mean what I said about getting that thing open." His words are firm and determined.
"Or you could just come by to visit?" She adjusts a flat pillow to lean back on. "Nadia said I'm supposed to rest until I'm all healed up. Means you won't see me out on your afternoon stroll for a couple weeks or so." She winces as she turns her body on the bed. "It'd be nice to see you here, if you have time."
Klutz seems a little nervous when he answers. "I'll stop by when I can."
"Oh, and don't do anything stupid just 'cause I ain't out there to set you straight."
He smirks and says, "No promises," as he casually leaps out of the short window and into the darkness.
Marin looks out into the warm summer night in a moment of thought. She then turns her attention to the old firearm she has proudly displayed next to the door. She stares at it for quite a while. Only breaking her concentration when her fatigue forces a great yawn out of her. She snuffs out the light and rests.
At the late hour of the night, very few of the village's inhabitants are awake. Even fewer still are outside their quiet homes. This makes for a peaceful and silent walk through the well worn paths leading back to the Guardians jumpship. The quiet is comforting to him. A break from the constant commotion, distress, and expectations that have surrounded him for most of his brief life. Turning past the last building at the far edge of town, Klutz notices a figure, alone and away from the village, resting casually against his spacecraft. He stops his steps and stares toward the unexpected visitor.
In a bright flash, Spark appears quickly and observes the unknown individual as well.
"Who do you think that is? Eyran?" Klutz asks, a little annoyed that someone is touching his vehicle without permission.
"Their biometric details don't match Eyran's. I don't think they match anyone we've met out here in this village…"
"Someone from The City then? You think Osiris sent a replacement or something?" His annoyance is quickly replaced by nervousness.
"No. I don't think so."
Klutz draws his weapon and starts walking toward the mysterious figure. It takes him a few moments to get close enough to make out what they look like. He sees them, dimly lit by moonlight. A man in a long worn coat, nonchalantly lent on the head of the jumpship. His face is mostly obscured by a dark hood. His arms are hidden under his loose coat, concealing any possible weapons as well as any clear intentions. Klutz points his weapon as he approaches. "Show me your hands and tell me why you're here!" he shouts as soon as he gets close enough to be sure he could get his point across.
The stranger looks up at the Guardian. Revealing his trimmed beard and a crooked smile. "Whoa! Take it easy there, hotshot!" he says in an almost jovial voice.
Now only about ten feet apart Klutz stops. With the gun still trained on the stranger, he reiterates, "Let me see your hands and tell me what you want!"
"Hey! No need to get all worked up!" He slowly raises his arms out from under his coat and into the air. With his arms raised, his coat parts enough to reveal the revolver tucked into his belt. "Let's just calm down a second and talk, huh?"
Klutz notices the gun immediately and moves his finger under the trigger guard of his rifle. "How about you toss that gun over here and I'll think about it."
"Well that doesn't seem too fair." An unburdened smirk crosses the stranger's face.
Klutz readies himself for a firefight.
"Alright, alright. You win." Very slowly he lowers one hand and grabs the pistol by the butt with his fingertips and tosses it toward the Guardian. "Don't really feel like plugging you full of holes anyway… Don't feel like getting plugged neither."
Crouching down to confiscate the gun, Klutz keeps his eyes and his rifle locked on the stranger. "So are you gonna tell me what you're doing here?"
The strange man lowers his raised hand and scratches his beard. "Well yeah. But if I'm bein' honest, you're makin' me kinda nervous with that gun in my face." He puts both of his hands in the air again. "Hard to have a nice conversation when I know you could pop me over a bad joke."
"You just want to have a 'nice conversation?' Why'd you come armed?"
"It's a dangerous world out here, brother. Besides, you're one of those 'hero's' from The City. Even if I got the first shot off, there's nothin' I could do to stop your little friend from standing you right back up to return the favor." His smirk is as strong as ever.
A tense silence fills the atmosphere.
Klutz is the first to break it. "Okay." He turns the weapon away from the man. "You know if you try something, it won't end well for you?"
"Wouldn't dream of it anyway." He lowers his arms and crosses them against his chest.
With the rifle loosely in his grasp and not threatening to expend its payload, Klutz signals the stranger to say his piece. "So let's talk then."
The mysterious man leans back casually against the jumpship. He notices this annoys the Guardian. He doesn't change position. "Seems like we got off on the wrong foot here. They call you 'Klutz' right? Don't seem like a fitting nickname to me. Get the feeling you do things well. Kinda gotta if you want to survive out here."
"I'm guessing someone told you about me?"
"More or less. You may not be one of those old Guardians that wrote their legends in The Dark Ages but I've heard a few things."
"I only stepped out of the grave a couple months ago. Doubt there's much to hear," Klutz says with skepticism.
"A pal of mine let me take a look at that report you made on your time in Old Chicago. Real riveting stuff. Glad it had a happy ending." He chuckles softly. "Thing I was most interested in was the part where you found yourself in possession of some kind of super weapon. And I'm even more interested in how you got it."
Klutz narrows his brow. "If you read the report then you know how I got it."
"Yeah I know. Happened to find the key to the kingdom. A black keycard?"
The Guardian perks up at the question. "I wasn't so specific in the report. How do you know it was a black card?"
The stranger's grin widens. "Did a little investigating of my own. Also learned about another armory around these parts. Just waiting to be plundered."
"Who are you?" the Guardian asks. Unsure of the stranger's intentions.
The strange man pulls his hood down. Revealing his dark hair and a dark band tied around his forehead. "Me? I'm nobody. Just a guy that gets around, hears things."
"Well you sure seem connected. Are you from the City?"
"Nah, not really my style. I'm something of a nomad. See, I move around a lot. I'm a wanderer. A drifter. And I got the whole universe in front of me."
Klutz eyes this 'Drifter' up and down for a moment. He takes note of his clear confidence and his utter lack of unease. "Listen. Whoever you are, the 'armory' here isn't yours to 'plunder.' I'm the Guardian watching over this village so if you try anything, it's my responsibility to put you down."
"Back to the threats huh? And I thought we were finally making nice!" The Drifter's smile weakens but does not leave. "You don't have to worry about me, hotshot. Far as I'm concerned, folks here have squatted long enough to earn whatever they've camped on top of. Thing I find a little strange is that you haven't got it open for them yet."
"Haven't had much luck with that yet." Klutz clenches his teeth slightly.
"Figured as much. I know you don't got the right card for that door."
Doing his best to hide his interest, Klutz replies with nothing but a stern look.
The Drifter smiles wide again. "Lucky for you I think I can point you in the right direction."
"So you can swoop in and steal the goods?"
"Geez kid. Thought we went over this. I've only got a passing interest in that village secret. Got my sight on… other ventures. Don't mean I can't lend a hand to you though." The strange man reaches out in a giving expression.
"You want to help out of the kindness of your heart?" Klutz asks sarcastically.
"Never said that." He chuckles. "No, I'm planning on leaving this system someday. Got it all lined up for the most part. Need to get my affairs settled beforehand, you see? Just so happens that your interests and mine have a bit of crossover."
"Yeah? And how's that?"
The Drifter links his fingers and rests them behind his head. "Got an… associate. Needs a package delivered to him. Lucky for you, this associate almost definitely knows something about your little back card situation. I'm thinking, you bring him the package and trade it for the info. It'd save me the trip and give you some clue about how to claim your prize. Win win."
Klutz says nothing for a while. Only the soft wind makes a sound. He looks back at the village for a moment. The first time he's taken his eyes off the stranger since they met. He looks back at him with determined eyes. "Gonna need more details on the job."
"That's what I like to hear!" The Drifter flashes his teeth and stands always from the jumpship. "Not gonna lie, it ain't an easy delivery." He rubs his hands together. "Fellas located at the edge of the asteroid belt. On the outskirts of The Reef. Little place called 'The Tangled Shore.'"
Spark sends a pulse of strong warmth to the Guardian's hand.
Klutz raises his brow. "The delivery is off world?"
"Said it wasn't gonna be easy." He rests his hands on his hips. "It's why I only trust a Risen to get things done. Already sent the nav data to your ship. Left the goods in the cargo hold as well. Sorry for assuming so much, but… I think I was right."
With a half roll of his eyes, Klutz gathers more information. "So what's the cargo and who am I delivering to?"
"Can't tell you what the cargo is. Clients eyes only. Haven't even peeked myself. It's small though, light too. Can't say the same for the client himself." He laughs briefly.
Klutz stays quiet.
"Guy goes by 'The Spider.' Tricky son of a gun but we've got an understanding. You may need to push a little to get the info you want, but tell 'em 'Drifter sent ya' and I'm sure it'll be smooth sailing. Spider's always willing to make a deal." The Drifter takes a few steps forward. "So, you in?"
Pawing at the card in his pocket, Klutz takes a moment to think. It's not long before he answers. "I'm in."
Spark sends another pulse of heat to his hand.
"This is how folks make a name for themselves! Not going to do that babysitting some quiet little village." He approaches the Guardian and puts a hand on his shoulder. "Got a feeling you'll be a legend someday." He reaches out his other hand. "Now let's shake on it."
Klutz meets his hand and shakes.
The Drifter steps back a bit. "Think you got everything you need. I'm sure you can handle the rest. After you're done you should look me up. Been spending my time in The City at a bar down on 7th. Could use a guy like you in my crew." He waits for a response but gets nothing. "Well, think about it I guess. Oh and good luck. Hope you won't need it." He turns around and walks away, disappearing in a small cloud of transmat mist.
"You're IN!?" Spark cry's out before she has even finished materialising. "We just went over this! You have a responsibility here. Yet you agreed to smuggle, who knows what, halfway across the system!?"
"C'mon Spark. You know this is important."
The Ghost spins her shell wildly for a moment before steadying herself. "I know all this 'armory' business is… personal to you. I can't lie, I find it very interesting myself!" She quickly catches herself in her excitement. "And I know Marin means a lot to you as well…"
"Spark, please it's-"
"But you have a job to do here. It's not right to abandon it… Send a report back to Osiris about this. He may give you the go ahead to investigate it officially."
"Or he could send a more experienced Guardian…" Klutz passes by the Ghost and rests a hand on his jumpship. "It needs to be me Spark. I can't miss this chance."
"The Reef is a risky place to be. It's going to be dangerous…"
"I know. It's a good thing I've got a partner like you by my side." He turns to smile at his concerned friend.
She shifts her shell around contemplatively. "Whether I agree or not." She hovers close to her partner. "I go where you go." There is warmth in her words. She disappears and transmats the Guardian into the pilot's seat.
Klutz adjusts himself in his seat and sets his rifle down next to him. "Ready to head off now?"
Spark replies over the ship's communication system. "The travel won't take us too much time, but I don't know how long our dealings with this 'Spider' will take. Best to leave as soon as possible. I'm hoping this will take less than a day. Two at most if we run into any trouble." She activates the ship's engines.
The vehicles rattling hum excites the Guardian. He gives the systems a quick check, activates the simulated windows, and grabs hold of the controls. "If we're lucky, most folks here won't even notice we left!"
The vehicle raises from the ground gracefully. It hovers in place for a moment before slowly turning direction. The soft growl of the thrusters transitions quickly into a loud roar as they light up bright with blue fire. The ship propels itself high in the air at an incredible speed, passing above the dark clouds in mere moments. The spacecraft slows to a constant cruise as it reaches the outer reaches of the planet's atmosphere.
Far above the globe, the pilot peers out the window to take in the view. Below, great storms on the ocean are nothing but a calm collection of clouds. The ravaged, abandoned continents are peaceful and quiet islands, dotted by the dark reminders of a lost age. What catches the pilots eye over all else, is the great sphere resting high above the bastion of humanity below. A flicker of light in a sea of darkness. He takes in the view for a while.
"Navigation data set and flight solution calculated. Time to give the new NLS drive a test run, huh?" the little light asks as she appears next to the sightseer. She floats over to the window as well. "Beautiful isn't it? Not just The Traveler. I mean all of it. It's amazing to think humanity covered almost every inch of the planet. Even more amazing that they were able to reach out into the rest of the system with the help of The Traveler's blessings." She drifts over to the other side of the cockpit and looks out into the dark vacuum of space. "One day, with the help of Guardians like you, I believe we will do it again."
The thrusters burn a bright blue. The spaceship flies forward into the darkness faster than the eye can see. Disappearing into the stars.
No Turning Back: Part Two.
His hearing returns first. The sound of flames flickering around him and his own heart pounding in his ear. He breathes in deep. Almost gasping for air as he parts his eyelids. Through the cracked glass of his helmet, he is surprised to see the scene before him. The flaming wreckage of the second Fallen skiff, mere feet away. A pair of survivors crawl from the wreck, desperate to escape. They claw into the dusty rock to drag themselves to safety. Labored, painful breaths with every movement. Trying to collect himself, Klutz watches the pitiable pirates struggle. He flinches as trio of Fallen pass by him from behind, slowly approaching the wounded survivors. They hold long spears, tipped with sharp blades surging with electricity. He quickly searches for his own weapon. Once he finds his rifle, he swiftly fixes its sights on one of the spearmen. His trigger hand is stayed as he watches the creature's actions.
Upon meeting its injured kin, the Fallen offers no assistance or support. Instead it pins the pirate down with one powerful foot and swiftly stabs it through the back with the charged blade. The pinned creature lets out a yelp and goes limp as the blade is pulled from its body. A small hiss of Ether leaks out from the wound. When one of the other spearmen approaches its target, it carries out similar violence.
Taken aback by the executions, Klutz holds his aim and raises to his feet.
"Careful Klutz." Spark speaks through his helmet's radio. "I think they're 'friendly.'" Her voice is cautious and uncertain.
"Don't seem so friendly to me." He keeps his barrel steady as the executioners turn to look at him.
The trio do not appear threatening. All of them plant the base of their weapons on the rough floor rather than point them at the gunman.
"While I was bringing you back, one of them fired a rocket at the Skiff. The explosion sent it crashing down toward the surface. They… saved us, Klutz." Her words are woven with conflict.
Taking a few steps back to ensure some distance between himself and the spearmen, Klutz sweeps his sights between the three.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't shoot my associates." A gruff voice sounds over the Guardian's radio. "They won't do me any good if they're dead."
Caught off guard by the intrusion, Klutz questions the mysterious voice. "Who is this? These are your Fallen?"
The voice snorts. "Yes, those Eliksni are my employees, and they have orders not to hurt you as long as you play nice. As for me, you can call me The Spider." His grizzled voice is strangely smooth. "Now please, lower that gun so we can avoid any… bad business."
Klutz observes the Fallen for a moment. He watches as they share a look of uncertainty before turning back to face him with tall, unthreatening posture. "I'm a… friend of The Drifter. He sent me here with a package for you." He lowers his weapon.
"Took him long enough. I was beginning to think our mutual 'friend' had fallen through on our arrangement." He chuckles softly. "My associates will lead you to my place of business. I always look forward to meeting a Lightbearer in person!"
The Fallen casually pick up their weapons and direct the Guardian to follow.
After double checking that the channel is closed, Klutz summons his Ghost. "You got the package out of there right?" he asks nervously.
Spark appears and drops the tall sealed tube in his hand. "Safe and sound. Although I can't say the same about our ship…" She turns to look at the damaged, smoking jumpship resting in the distance.
"One thing at a time, Spark. We'll figure it out." He tucks the light package under his arm and hangs his weapon over his back.
One of the Fallen lets out a short screech to get the man's attention and motions one of its arms, signaling him to hurry.
Klutz shares a look with his Ghost before she disappears. He takes a deep breath and follows his alien guides.
The long speechless trek leads the Guardian to a small hub of civilization. Groups of Fallen gather to work, talk, and rest outside of a number of strangely designed buildings. Many of the inhabitants turn to give curious looks toward the human being led through the camp by the trio of killers. The onlookers do not appear overly threatening but Klutz stays on guard nevertheless.
Soon the group stops at the entrance of a large bizarrely shaped building, built into one of the tall stone walls of the asteroid. Two of the guides turn off and enter through a small door around a corner. The third stops at the main entrance and turns to face the Guardian. It raises one of its long arms, pointing at the large round door.
Slowly walking toward the door, Klutz can hear a muffled tune from within the building. As he approaches the entrance, the door slides open automatically. The screech of sliding metal and machinery rings out before it clicks, locking into place with the entryway wide open. The sound of music echoes out enticingly. With the package held tightly in his grasp, he enters.
As soon as Klutz enters the main room, a machine quickly floats over to him and offers the drink resting on the tray affixed to its top. It makes a short symphony of synthetic noise as a welcome. Klutz waves the server away and looks around the room.
The club is dimly lit and the music blasts from overhead speakers. It is an upbeat song. A powerful, hopeful ballad filled with sweeping, spacious melodies. Surprisingly, the song has undoubtedly human vocals. Peculiar, given the club's clientele. Many tables and booths are occupied by easygoing Fallen, enjoying drinks and conversation. Some even dance awkwardly along to the human tune. None pay attention as the Guardian enters.
Klutz notices one of the Fallen operating the club's sound system. He quickly approaches and waves to get its attention. "I'm here to see The Spider," he announces.
The alien DJ looks him up and down for a moment. It turns to a small device in its hand and speaks in a language unfamiliar to the Guardian. Another voice answers back shortly and the DJ points toward a door at the back of the room.
After a shared nod, Klutz makes his way around the back of the club. Careful not to draw much attention to himself. The door opens in front of him, revealing a long dark passage. At the end of the passage, Klutz finds a wide curtain made of dense hanging strings, covered with colorful beads. Light bleeds through the beads from the other side. Klutz parts the curtain with one hand and enters. The room is large, bright, and muggy. Only the faintest sound of music can be heard from the club behind. Klutz eyes widen behind his damaged visor when he sees him. The Spider.
Right Side of Wrong.
Resting leisurely in a huge suspended throne, the massive Fallen reaches out a hand in greetings. "Velask, Guardian. That's how my kind says 'hello' in case you're unfamiliar." He withdraws his hand and places it atop his round belly.
"You're The Spider?" Klutz notices the numerous leg-like appendages attached to his dangling chair.
"The one and only." The Spider raises all four of his arms proudly. "And what is it they call you? My curious little friend."
"My name is Klutz. I'm a Guardians from The-"
"'Klutz!?'" he interrupts loudly. "Ha! that scoundrel had me waiting all this time, thinking I'd never see the item I paid for, only to have it left in the care of a New Light named Klutz!?" He laughs heartily in equal parts amusement and annoyance.
The Guardian twists his face under his helmet.
"And where is your Ghost, New Light? Did it stay back on Earth?"
Spark appears beside the Guardian with her shell narrowed. "My name is Spark, and we are here on business so there's no need to be so rude!"
"Ahh there it is! I do find these little contraptions interesting. They are often so delightfully enticing… Appetising." The Spider pats his belly softly.
Quickly, Spark turns to look at Klutz. Her shell spins just as quick as she disappears.
"Shy?" The Spider laughs. "No matter. You said you have my package? Not just here to take the fall for ol' Drifter?" The rotund alien leans forward in his seat.
Wordlessly, Klutz raises the long tube from under his arm and presents it to The Spider.
"Ahh good. Lets hope you haven't lived up to your name and damaged the item." He reaches out to grab his prize. Only inches away, the tube is retracted by the courier. The Spider narrows his glowing eyes. "What's the meaning of this? You've brought it this far, now make good on the delivery!"
Klutz holds the tube at his side and looks up intently at the large Fallen. "Need to talk about my payment first." He gets the words out strongly, despite the incessant thumping of his heart.
The Spider sits up straight and scoffs. "Your payment!?" he yells. "I already paid for the goods. Any deal you made with that rat is outside of our agreement!" He grasps the arms of his chair. "I'm not about to let you strong arm me if you think that's where this is headed."
Hearing the commotion, two of the spear-armed Fallen enter from a side door.
With the tube still firmly in his grasp, Klutz notices the threatening posture of his former guides. "You made your deal with The Drifter, not with me. Now I'm here and I'm not parting with this thing empty handed." He turns back to look The Spider in the eyes. "If you want this thing, then we're gonna have to cut another deal."
Crackling electricity sounds from the spearman's weapons.
The Spider glares at the man menacingly, silently.
Tension fills the room as Klutz worries this deal may have soured before it started. He starts to channel Void Light in his hand.
"Fine." The Spider sits back in his throne. "I'm willing to hear you out. But I won't agree to anything unreasonable." He clasps two of his hands together. "And here I was thinking that sending The Skiffblades to retrieve you from those scavengers would have won me some gratitude!" He lets out an exaggerated scoff.
A sigh of relief escapes the Guardians lips. "Not looking for anything unreasonable. Just information."
"Information, huh? You've come out a long way for information." He idly scratches at the underside of his masked chin. "Now what kind of information would I have for a Guardian?"
Reaching into his pocket with slow telegraphed motions, Klutz grabs hold of the black card and raises high for The Spider to see.
"Well, well, well. The Black Armory?"
Klutz gets the feeling that he somehow already knew the name. Like the fading familiarity of déjà vu.
The Spider leans back once again. "So what is it you want to know about such an old secret?"
The Guardians mind races at the thought of uncovering answers to questions he has had since the beginning of his short life. He holds the card closer to himself and looks at it for a moment. He steadies his mind to focus on what he came here for. "This card worked as a key to a door in Old Chicago. I found a similar door near The Last City but it didn't respond when I tried to use the card again."
"Different door, different lock, different key," The Spider says plainly. "If you're looking to access whatever enticing little secrets The Black Armory has locked away, you'll need to find the key that fits."
"And where can I find that?"
The Spider chuckles. "No idea."
Klutz feels his stomach sink. His shoulders drop as well, betraying his disappointment.
"Although, I may know where you could find something of a… master-key."
Klutz straightens his posture with interest.
"A free ticket to access all manner of Black Armory treasures. It could be yours… for the right price." Opportunity fills his words.
After one last look Klutz pockets the card and faces the Spider. "Something other than this?" He holds up the tube shaped package.
"You traded that for the information I was just generous enough to provide you with!" The Fallen barks.
As soon as the words leave The Spider's mouth, the third member of the Skiffblades appears from behind the Guardian and snatches the package from his hand.
Klutz offers little resistance. He watches as the spearman delivers the tube to his employer.
"Give me a moment to inspect the goods. Want to make sure we are operating in good faith before we proceed," The Spider says as he unscrews the cap on one end of the tube. Tilting the tube sideways, The Spider catches the end of a long roll of canvas as it comes sliding out. He unrolls the canvas to observe it. "Ahh. Brilliant." He looks at it for a moment before flipping it around for Klutz to see.
On the canvas is a well preserved oil painting, depicting a sky of dark blue and yellow swirls above a quaint village.
"Van Gogh!" the massive alien says as he shows off the art proudly. "A remnant of your peoples old world. I have something of an interest in these things." He rolls the painting up gently and hands it off to one of the Skiffblades. "It's a wonder anything survived when your worlds were destroyed!" He blurts out almost mockingly. "Seems both of our people have a knack for survival, eh? Although that so-called 'Great Machine' definitely gave your kind a fighting chance. The Eliksni were not so lucky…" He stares off silently for a moment.
An awkward silence fills the space.
"I'm glad the painting is in good shape." Klutz says trying to get things back on track. "So what is it you want in exchange for this 'master-key?'"
"Ahh, yes." The fat Eliksni says as he shifts his attention to the man. "I appreciate your focus on business!" He relaxes and clears his throat. "You can think of me as the law of this forsaken rock. Most others do."
"I'd heard that The Awoken ruled all of The Reef."
The Spider squints slightly. "Officially you are correct. Unofficially, I have something of an agreement with The Awoken. They leave me to do my business as I see fit as long as I maintain order. But, as I'm sure you're… intimately familiar with, some cretins have no respect for the law!" He huffs loudly. "There's a group of the ne'er do wells a short hike from here that have become… an increasingly annoying thorn in my side. I want that thorn removed."
Klutz feels a heaviness in his stomach. "That's where I come in?"
"Of course!" The Spider snaps. "I'm asking you to use your 'Machine given' abilities to wipe that scum off my shore. To sweeten the deal, I'll even make arrangements to have your ship repaired to spacefaring condition. That way you can leave my shore as well. As soon as our business is concluded."
The Guardian looks down for a moment. Thinking over his, admittedly few, options. He looks back up. "Fine. I'll take care of 'em."
"Excellent! Glad to see we can come to an agreement," The Spider says. "As for the job, I have an unfortunate lack of details. I know they are poorly equipped so you shouldn't have to worry about being out gunned. I also know they have a working Servitor. And it's important that it stays that way. No sense wasting a perfectly good machine just because its handlers aren't sucking Ether anymore!" He laughs cruelly. "I can't understate the importance of that bit. If that Servitor gets destroyed then you don't get your key! My associates will stop by when the job is done to assess your work."
"So where exactly is this group held up?" Klutz asks. "Don't plan on wasting time if I don't have to."
"Eager, huh? I'll send your shy little friend the location in time. For now, I'll send a crew to get to work on your ship. I already went to the liberty of having it retrieved before more scavengers showed up. I also have a few arrangements to make, so why don't you rest a while? Well I get things sorted."
"Any idea how long that will take?"
"Half a day at most. Fortunately this club is a welcoming establishment. So find a corner and get comfortable, if that suits you." The Spider gestures towards the hall Klutz entered through.
"Just let me know when it's time." Klutz turns away and passes through the beads.
"I look forward to seeing how you perform!" The Spider shouts as he watches the Guardian leave. "Who knows, this could be the start of a wonderful business partnership!"
The door slides shut as Klutz exits The Spiders den.