Episode 2: Rumors and Ramblings Toland walked through the tower hangar, a hood drawn up over his head to hide his identity. He was here to visit the representatives of Dead Orbit and the Future War Cult. He would have also gone to New Monarchy as well, but he knew the Araachs and the War Cult were better at keeping secrets. He wanted to meet with Lakshmi-2 first, as the cults always kept tabs on each other. He entered the FWC's lounge, and was greeted with a Hand Cannon barrel pressed to his temple. "State your name and business, or your name and business will no longer exist." Toland removed his hood. "My name must remain a secret, but you know me as the shattered one." Lakshmi, an old acquaintance of his, visibly relaxed. But the hand cannon aim did not waver. "And you're business?" she said, less certain. Toland breathed out in relief, "Information, I assume you're keeping tabs on the Trinary Star?" Lakshmi lowered the Hand Cannon. "Of course we are, we keep tab on all of our rivals. I'm assuming you're here about those rigged crucible matches?" Toland nodded. "Do you know why?" Lakshmi notioned for her companions to leave them. As soon as they were gone. Lakshmi faded out the viewscreen and closed the door. "The Trinary Star is at war with the Cult of Osiris." Lakshmi showed Toland a list on her datapad. "The reason they're rigging the crucible matches is to collect weapons, but most importantly, a certain currency, Passage Coins." "What are these Passage Coins for? Why are they so important to the Trinary Star" Lakshmi stared at Toland, as if he had crawled out from under a rock. "You have not heard of the Trials of Osiris?" he shook his head. "I have been, preoccupied... so to speak." he looked at Lakshmi, "Why is the War Cult not involved? You lot are obsessed with a war you say is coming." "We're obsessed with a future war that could decide the fate of systems, not this petty rivalry." Lakshmi paused. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you alive, and why is this Fireteam X's business?" Toland looked at her, shocked. "Do not fret, Shattered One, secrets are my business." "I'm afraid I must be leaving Lakshmi, wonderful meeting with you again." he bowed to the representative, then took his leave. Toland was sure he had almost died there. _______________________________________ Araach Jalaal had been far more welcoming than Lakshmi, after all, he had helped Jalaal with translating star maps few years back. "What can I do to help you old friend?" he patted Toland on the back, knocking the wind out of him. "I need to know some things, i'm sure you've heard the rumors of the Trials of Osiris?" Jalaal's face fell, and he spoke in a more hushed tone. "Of course my friend, what do you need to know?" Jalaal looked around, paranoid. "I need to know where it is, and how to get in." Toland shrugged, "And maybe a way to get there." Jalaal shook his head. "I don't know where it is, it changes each week." he held up his hand before Toland started. "But I do believe that the tournament is taking place on Mercury, in the burning shrine. As for getting in... that's the real challenge." "How so?" Toland was getting impatient. "There is a man in the Reef, Brother Vance, who grants passage to the tournament. Thing is, the Reef is closed to most guardians as of late, not to mention you would probably raise suspicion." "Alright, how about a ride there?" Toland passed a pouch of glimmer to Jalaal, who refused it. "I cannot. I am barely allowed to transport to the Vestian Outpost myself, if i'm caught smuggling, we would be killed. The Trinary Star is already making our runs hard as it is!" Toland was about to respond when an explosion rocked the hangar, tearing through two of Dead Orbit's freighters. Araach Jalaal cried out in anguish as a third of his fleet was demolished. "We'll make them pay." Toland gripped Jalaal's shoulder, the Araach just stood there, watching the destruction. "You've got yourself transportation." _______________________________________ To be continued. Next Chapter: http://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/137494526/0/0 Table of Contents: http://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/114713352/0/0