Delta B1 Ch13: The Informant Part 3

After almost an hour of weaving between trees, Delta and Keis emerged from the forest between two large hills. They pressed through into the valley below where the settlement sat tucked away near a small stream. The guardians came to a stop just outside the makeshift homes and surveyed the town. Torchlight illuminated a few houses and a couple strings of electric lighting lit up the path in between. “Fascinating,” said Delta. “How do they power these lights?” Keis pointed to a large shadowy structure by the stream. “It seems they use that contraption to generate energy from the flow of the water.” Laughter rang out from the homes and a soft tune began to play on a guitar. “It seems these people do not sleep,” Delta observed. “Good,” said Keis. “Now we don’t have to sneak in.” The pair walked up the path between homes towards the music and more electrical lighting. In the center of the settlement was a square with many chairs and tables, as well as an open area where people were dancing. The residents were having a celebration of some kind. Several were out in the open, dancing away, and more still sat to the side talking and laughing. A smaller man stood off on the edge, swaying to the strums of his guitar and singing a delightful tune. “This is nice,” Delta thought aloud. “It is illogical,” said Keis. “This much noise in the middle of the night can attract some real danger out here, and what are they doing?” “I think they are dancing,” said Delta, following Keis’ line of sight. Keis shook his head. “Looks like senseless flailing.” Suddenly the music stopped. The musician had noticed the two guardians approaching and everyone turned around to see what the problem was. Jaws dropped and the people began to murmur to each other. “They’re staring at us,” said Delta. “Time to say something,” said Keis. Delta nodded. “Hello!” he addressed the crowd. “We apologize for the interruption. We are guardians from the Last City, tracking the whereabouts of an exo. Does anyone here know where I can find Echo-4?” The crowd became anxious. “Who’s asking?” came a rusty voice. Delta searched for the origin of the voice but could not find it. “Delta, the fourth born,” he replied. A figure slowly stood up from one of the tables off to the right. He was wrapped in a brown, tattered cloak, and he raised his head to reveal glowing yellow eyes from beneath his hood. “It can’t be,” said the exo. “Brother…?” Echo-4 stood in complete amazement, then realized everyone else was still staring. “It’s okay y’all!” he told the crowd. “These folks here are just some friends of mine. Please, continue with your dancin’.” The people obeyed, but kept an eye on the guardians. The music resumed and conversations ensued. Echo picked up his walking stick and hobbled over to the guardians on the edge of the square where a few empty tables were being neglected. “Come, have a seat,” said Echo, gesturing towards the nearest table. The three each sat down and a moment of silence followed while Echo examined the guardians before him. “Keis-51. Good to see ya.” Keis folded his arms. “The pleasure is mine. Echo-4, meet Delta.” Delta wasn’t sure what to say. He analyzed Echo under the dim electric lights. He was extremely worn down, even rusty in places. He must have been out in the wild for centuries. Echo spoke up first. “Delta… I don’t believe it.” Delta sighed. “Believe it,” he said, removing his helmet. He set it on the table so Echo could get a good look at his face. Echo’s eyes burned with surprise at Delta’s silver faceplates and glowing blue eyes. “Well I’ll be damned…” said Echo. “It’s you! They shut you down. How are you still livin’?” “A ghost found me and brought me back as a guardian of the Last City,” Delta explained. “I’m not only alive, but I’m able to wield the Traveler’s light.” “Well ain’t that dandy,” said Echo. “I suppose you’ve come here to ask me a few questions then?” Delta nodded. “I have. Echo, I must know what I am, and where I can find the Defense.” Echo’s face became grim. “What you’re askin’ for is dangerous. But, we are brothers, so I shall oblige. It does not surprise me that you remember nothing. They wiped your memories before storin’ you away forever.” “But why did they do that? What could I possibly have done to warrant such actions?” Echo thought for a moment, twirling a knife in his hands. Delta didn’t even see him take the knife out. “I’ve been kickin’ for a long time, brother,” said Echo. “But, in all the years I walked this earth, not once have I seen somethin’ as noble and inspiring as what you did.” Delta leaned forward in his seat. “But… I can’t remember.” Echo nodded in understanding. “Then I shall remind you. It was a Golden Age. The Traveler had given the people of this planet the means to be star explorin’ gods. There were advances in ev’ry field, enlightenment in ev’ry mind, and downright miracles. You, me, Keis there… We are all a livin’ testament of the wonders that came outta the Golden Age. But, as you can imagine, there are always a few blokes that would rather not be worshippin’ an alien sphere.” “The Defense?” suggested Delta. Echo nodded. “That’s right, brother. As far as I know, they were always around, but it wasn’t ‘till ole Yazan came through that they became a force to be reckoned with.” Delta knew the name. “Yazan Sayyed. He built me.” Echo lightly chuckled. “Brother, he did more than just build you, he slaved over you. “Project Delta” was his pet project, geared towards making the ultimate exo warrior. You were his masterpiece.” [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Post/1371758/228286909/0/0]Part 4[/url] [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/224417569?page=0&sort=0&showBanned=0&path=1]The Hub[/url]