"I could...probably contact Xur for a private meeting, honestly," Declan remarked as they moved on, the Titan touching Aoba's arm gently on occasion, guiding him through a maze of hallways, welded docks, scaffolding and other paths.
"He's always been unduly indulgent with me, though I don't really know why." Of course he had no idea that his being respectful and polite as reason enough for some people to like him more than others. Favoritism aimed at Declan came because unlike many people whose decency was contingent on what use another person was to them, the Titan was universally respectful. Those in power tended to observe that and take it to heart. Xur was no different, and while his will was not entirely his own ( or so he said ), either he or the Nine themselves seemed to favor Declan to some degree.
"But if he's here now, may as well catch him. Here we are," the Guardian paused before a large ventilation shaft, the spiral gate opening and closing, admitting people who used the vent as a shortcut to other places. It clearly wasn't used for aeration at least. Stepping forward, the metal panels rasped open, and the two men walked through the dimly lit tunnel. People inhabited the space, some more questionable than others. Mostly what went on in the shaft was black market dealing, and that was precisely what Xur did. After a short span of weaving between small stands and blankets laden with trinkets and ship junk, they reached the dead-end of the tunnels where a tall yet hunched figure stood in the shadows, whispering to someone whose race was hidden by their gear.
Eventually the dealing were done and Declan raised a hand in greeting to the smuggler, who looked up and was precisely 100% terrifying. There was no identifiable face in the darkness of the creature's hood, just two glowing yellow spots that may have been eyes, and a writhing mass of blackish-green tentacles. Despite having no discernible face, he spoke very clearly and with a certain degree of eloquence.
"Hello, Guardian. Always a pleasure. And to what does this humble Agent of the Nine owe the honor?" he dragged out the last word, turning slowly to face Aoba, head tilting just slightly.
"The planeswalker. An honor to meet you," the creature hunched even more in an awkward bow. "Word, gets around," he added by way of vague explanation. "And the Nine are always listening."
"The Queen said the Nine might have information we're looking for. We're trying to get Aoba home as directly and safely as possible, but the star-charts the...the other planeswalkers used are all missing."
"Hm. I know of what you speak, Guardian. The charts were collected and destroyed. The Nine have long memories. I can get this information for you...are you prepared to pay the cost?"
"...I am." Declan answered before Aoba could comment, a hand raising to stave off any possible protests. He'd done the song and dance before.
"I will confer with the Nine and inform you of the price. It will be a while. I will contact you through the usual channels."
Declan nodded, then leaned over and whispered to Aoba.
"If there's any questions, or any odd thing you want, now's the time to ask. Xur has access to...pretty much everything ever."
no subject
"He's always been unduly indulgent with me, though I don't really know why." Of course he had no idea that his being respectful and polite as reason enough for some people to like him more than others. Favoritism aimed at Declan came because unlike many people whose decency was contingent on what use another person was to them, the Titan was universally respectful. Those in power tended to observe that and take it to heart. Xur was no different, and while his will was not entirely his own ( or so he said ), either he or the Nine themselves seemed to favor Declan to some degree.
"But if he's here now, may as well catch him. Here we are," the Guardian paused before a large ventilation shaft, the spiral gate opening and closing, admitting people who used the vent as a shortcut to other places. It clearly wasn't used for aeration at least. Stepping forward, the metal panels rasped open, and the two men walked through the dimly lit tunnel. People inhabited the space, some more questionable than others. Mostly what went on in the shaft was black market dealing, and that was precisely what Xur did. After a short span of weaving between small stands and blankets laden with trinkets and ship junk, they reached the dead-end of the tunnels where a tall yet hunched figure stood in the shadows, whispering to someone whose race was hidden by their gear.
Eventually the dealing were done and Declan raised a hand in greeting to the smuggler, who looked up and was precisely 100% terrifying. There was no identifiable face in the darkness of the creature's hood, just two glowing yellow spots that may have been eyes, and a writhing mass of blackish-green tentacles. Despite having no discernible face, he spoke very clearly and with a certain degree of eloquence.
"Hello, Guardian. Always a pleasure. And to what does this humble Agent of the Nine owe the honor?" he dragged out the last word, turning slowly to face Aoba, head tilting just slightly.
"The planeswalker. An honor to meet you," the creature hunched even more in an awkward bow. "Word, gets around," he added by way of vague explanation. "And the Nine are always listening."
"The Queen said the Nine might have information we're looking for. We're trying to get Aoba home as directly and safely as possible, but the star-charts the...the other planeswalkers used are all missing."
"Hm. I know of what you speak, Guardian. The charts were collected and destroyed. The Nine have long memories. I can get this information for you...are you prepared to pay the cost?"
"...I am." Declan answered before Aoba could comment, a hand raising to stave off any possible protests. He'd done the song and dance before.
"I will confer with the Nine and inform you of the price. It will be a while. I will contact you through the usual channels."
Declan nodded, then leaned over and whispered to Aoba.
"If there's any questions, or any odd thing you want, now's the time to ask. Xur has access to...pretty much everything ever."