Errands In The Tower
Bill stepped out of his shower and changed into a simple tunic and pants. The slate gray tunic bore the Titan crest on the left shoulder, and on the right breast he bore the double-headed eagle Insignia, identifying him as member of Zavala's Order. A restless night of sleep didn't seem to do much to ease his nerves. He couldn't help but wonder what his next assignment would be. He hit the door switch to his quarters and walked down the clean white halls.
As he neared the archway at the end of the corridor, he shielded his eyes from the sun just starting to hit his eyes. It was just past dawn in the City, and the Sun was starting to peek over the edge of the mountains in the East. Bill walked down a set of steps into the Tower plaza, and made his way over to Banshee-44, the old Exo who served diligently as the Tower gunsmith.
"Mornin', Guardian. What can I do for you?" Banshee said in his usual, gravelly voice.
"Just coming to pick up my rifle I dropped off last night."
"Ah, of course. SUROS model, wasn't it? Damn fine weapon. One second, Bill."
Banshee turned to the weapons locker to his left, and produced a black and red auto rifle from it. The gunsmith put the rifle into a hardshell case, as well as several ammo magazines.
"All set, Guardian. Focused Fire functionality has been restored. I also zeroed your holo-sights for 50 meters as a start, but you can re-zero it up to 75 if you have to. Wouldn't recommend it, though. Damn thing is about as accurate as a potato gun at that range."
"I'll keep that in mind, Banshee. Thanks again, you're the best."
Banshee let out a metallic chuckle. "Tell me something I don't know."
"You're on your 44th body."
"Heh... Wait, really? Son of a..." Bill laughed to himself as he walked away, case in hand.
The next stop for Bill was with Future War Cult's representative, Lakshmi-2. He had collected data on the last patrol that FWC had expressed interest in acquiring. And they were willing to reward handsomely for it.
"Impressive work, Guardian. I'm amazed you were able to convince the Fallen to part with data from Skywatch."
"Well, the Devils like to negotiate at muzzle velocity, but they eventually saw things my way."
"Indeed." The Exo inserted the data drive Bill recovered into a computer, as he watched her hollow blue eyes dart back and forth over the screen. "I don't suppose you were able to move deeper into the Skywatch? There must be a wealth of information in that complex."
"Sorry, that wasn't possible. The Devils had sealed a gate in the first couple of rooms. I debated cracking the seal, but my Ghost advised against it. Besides, we were short on time, and there's no telling what was on the other side of it."
"Very well, Guardian. Since you were able to bring us what we asked for, here is the promised payment. Twenty-five hundred worth of Glimmer, and as a bonus, I want you to take this with you." Lakshmii opened up a supply crate nearby and produced a small handgun, painted in the faction colors, and bearing the FWC's "Sigil of the Coming War" on the grip.
"It's not much, but it could be a reliable sidearm. Please take it, with my thanks."
Bill took the pistol, surprisingly light in hand, and placed it in the weapon case from Banshee. "Thank you, now if you'll excuse me, I need to find my Fireteam."
"Of course, Guardian. Back to the struggle?"
"Is there anywhere else to go, anymore?"