[b]The Tower[/b] The warship shuddered as it passed through the thunderclouds that hung low above the mountainous landscape of Old Russia. “We are nearing the Tower,” said Delta’s ghost. “We could have been here a lot faster, but this warship is centuries old and I didn’t want to stress it too much before Amanda Holliday can take a good look at it.” “That’s the mechanic right?” Delta and his ghost had spent the majority of their flight talking about the home that awaited Delta and the people that resided there. “So let me get this straight. Earth was overtaken by this so-called Darkness, and this Last City is all that’s left?” This was the latest in Delta’s long string of questions since escaping the Middle East. “Yes,” replied the ghost. “Of course it is a bit more complicated than that. We are nearing the City now. If you have any more questions, I’m sure the Vanguard would be happy to help you find answers. Ah! Here we are.” The clouds began to roll away and rays of sunlight began to shine through the cockpit of the warship. The silhouette of a massive sphere began to show itself. “Is that…?” Delta started. “The Traveler!” finished the ghost. As the warship circled a mountain, the distant sunrise disappeared behind the awesome mass that was the Traveler. The sun crept around the moon-like machine and the form of a city began to take shape below. The sight was glorious and Delta’s optics could not get enough of it. The warship began its decent towards the City. They approached the great wall that surrounded it and a large structure came into view. “Welcome to your new home Guardian! Welcome to the Tower!” Delta reveled at the Tower as they drifted into the landing bay. The ship docked at one of the farther ports and came to rest atop the tarmac. As the engines revved down, a ramp lowered and Delta disembarked to find someone waiting for him. “Howdy Warlock!” Awaiting their arrival was a blonde girl wearing a mechanic’s jumpsuit, hands stained with grease. “My name is Amanda Holliday! I’m the shipwright in this Tower. I’ll be taking care of your nifty warship there.” A frame walked over from behind Amanda. “Ah there you are!” said Amanda. “This frame here will lead you to the Vanguard. They are expecting you.” “Excellent,” said Delta’s ghost as he materialized next to him. The pair followed the frame up some stairs while Amanda went to inspect the warship. They headed towards a hall on the far side of the hanger, but before they went through Delta noticed a black, hooded figure hanging out by the doorway. He didn’t seem to be paying attention, but as they were about to pass by, the stranger’s head jerked upward and Delta made eye contact. Delta was shocked to see glowing eyes and shadowy tendrils sprouting from within the hood. The creature held out its hand, and said, “My will is not my own!” Its voice was deep and alien, which Delta found very uncomfortable. He averted his eyes and kept following the frame. “What the hell was that?!” “That was Xur,” answered his ghost. “Most people just ignore him.” Delta’s curiosity was peaked, but he soon forgot all about Xur when they emerged from the hall to find the Tower courtyard. It was beautiful, and the place was full of activity. Guardians went about their business and some were having conversations with one another. Delta could have even sworn he saw a couple of them having a dance off on one of the upper decks. “This way,” said the frame as it led Delta down the central stairway and into the heart of the Tower. Before long they entered a room with various screens along the walls and in the middle, a large table upon which there were a great many documents and maps. Studying one of said documents was a bald, dark skinned woman around whom flowed the armor of a Warlock. Delta and his ghost descended the steps and the woman noticed she had company. “Greetings Warlock. I trust you had a smooth flight?” she asked. Delta nodded and she smiled. “An exo of few words. I like that. It means you’re a thinker. You will be a fitting Warlock.” The woman set aside her documents and turned to the frame. “Thank you Roni. That will be all.” The frame nodded and left the room. “I believe introductions are in order,” said the woman. “I am Ikora Rey, the warlock Vanguard, and you must be Delta.” “I am,” responded Delta. “Pleasure to meet you,” said Ikora. “Unfortunately Zavala, who is the Titan Vanguard, is taking care of some pressing matters regarding the sudden disappearance of Fallen forces all over the planet. Since you have recently had a run in with them, someone will brief you more on that subject later. Cayde is our Hunter Vanguard. He should be here soon to explain some of that and he is eager to meet you. Although… it’s okay if you don’t want to meet him. He tends to be an acquired taste.” Delta wasn’t sure what that was supposed to mean but he was still taking in a lot. Perhaps this Cayde person could help him get some answers. Then, as if by fate itself, footsteps could be heard entering the room. “Ikora! Is this our new guardian?” Ikora sighed and pretended to read a nearby document. Delta turned to find an exo hunter with a blue face and a horn on his forehead descending the steps. “You’re Delta right? My guys on the ground tell me those Fallen were demolished. You must be a pretty good shot,” said Cayde as he came to lean against the table. Delta recalled how familiar his weapon felt in his hands, and how effortlessly he dispatched the Fallen. “I am good with a rifle,” answered Delta. “But I don’t know how.” Cayde nodded as if he could relate. “Delta here has a lot of questions,” butted in his ghost. “I need to go make sure everything is in order for my new Guardian.” The ghost turned to Delta. “I’ll be back soon.” With that the little machine flew away. “Cayde,” said Ikora. “Perhaps you could help Delta get acclimated to his surroundings while his ghost makes preparations for him.” Cayde nearly jumped at the idea. “Sure thing Ikora! C’mon buddy,” he said. “I know a sweet ramen place not too far from here!” [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Post/1371758/224874718/0/0]Part 2[/url] [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/224417569?page=0&sort=0&showBanned=0&path=1]The Hub[/url]