[b]The Scout[/b] The air was warm with cigar smoke and the room came alive with the eccentric sound of smooth jazz from the live band in the corner. Neon lights hung on the walls and the patrons of this fine establishment conversed in satisfied fellowship. The place was noisy but Delta found it to be quite relaxing at the same time. The exo surveyed the jazz club, searching for the person he came to find. Cayde had told Delta this was the place to look. A few heads turned at the guardian’s entrance, but most went about their business. They were no strangers to guardians, since the bar there was typically frequented by Hunters. It was no coincidence that it was a Hunter Delta had come to find. His name was Kane, one of Cayde’s scouts, and he had some explaining to do. Delta spotted the distinct form of a Hunter’s cape at the bar and made his way over. The Hunter had his hood down, helmet sitting on the bar, and had just received some vodka shots from the bartender. Delta took the seat next to him and got a closer look. He was human with a dark complexion, and thick, curly black hair that was in need of a trim. The Hunter was about to take a shot when he noticed Delta, and squinted. “Are you lost, Warlock?” Delta shook his head. This was the man he was looking for. “I’m right where I need to be,” said the exo. “You are Kane, are you not?” The Hunter downed his shot. “Who’s asking?” retorted Kane. “My name is Delta,” said the Warlock. Kane paused for a moment, then took another shot. “What kind of name is Delta?” the Hunter said, becoming visibly uncomfortable. Delta’s suspicions were confirmed. This Hunter knew who he was. “What do you know about the Golden Age organization known as The Defense?” started Delta. Kane shook his head and took yet another shot, but remained silent. “Does the name Yazan Sayyed mean anything to you?” BANG! Kane suddenly slammed his fist down on the countertop. Nearby patrons turned in curiosity, but soon lost interest. Kane slowly leaned in towards Delta with a deep expression of anger. “That is not a name you should throw around lightly!” he said in a hushed but aggressive tone. Delta smiled. Now they were getting somewhere. “I am not afraid of a few long dead scientists,” responded Delta. Kane frowned at his last shot of vodka. “The Defense is far from dead,” he said, still keeping his voice down. “You should be very afraid.” Delta sat back in confusion. Kane’s answer was cryptic and not what the exo expected. Concerned, Delta tried to continue the conversation. “What do you mean?” he asked. “The Defense can’t still be active can it?” Kane leaned forward and put his head in his hands, as if in some kind of distress. “You have no idea what you’re dealing with…” he said. “They are everywhere and they know everything. Please… leave me alone.” Delta suddenly felt sorry for the Hunter. He was legitimately afraid of The Defense, and Delta started to develop some fears of his own. Was The Defense really alive and well? What became of his creators? How could The Defense have survived the Collapse? All these questions began to invade Delta’s mind and he decided he couldn’t let Kane stop there. “I’m sorry,” said Delta. “But I have to know. Why are you so afraid of, well, some prejudice researchers?” Kane shook his head furiously and looked Delta straight in the eyes. “They are not just researchers, they are terrorists! They want us and the Traveler dead now more than ever!” Delta soaked in Kane’s words. “But… why?” he continued. Kane just stared off into space. ” I don’t know. I don’t know anything.” Delta’s eyes narrowed. “You found the bunker didn’t you?” inquired Delta. “You knew where it was, and you knew I would be the one to investigate.” Kane nodded. “I did.” Delta grew even more concerned with this confirmation. “You talk of how horrible this organization is, yet you don’t seem to have any problems working with them.” Kane’s head dipped, a look of grief on his face, and he leaned in close to Delta once more. “I don’t have a choice…” he whispered. “They have my ghost.” Delta was speechless. Kane saw his shock and took his last vodka shot. They sat in silence for a few moments listening to the jazz in the background. “Look…” said Kane. “I don’t know why The Defense is so interested in you. I wish I could help. I really do. But I can’t, or else they will destroy my ghost and kill me.” Delta hesitated, then nodded in understanding. “I’m sorry,” he told Kane. The Hunter just looked on in hopelessness. “It’s strange,” he said. “Not having a ghost after all this time.” Kane twirled his index finger around the rim of a shot glass. “I often forget there’s no voice in my head anymore, and people think I’m crazy.” Kane suddenly had a furious look in his eyes. “Delta, if you find these people… if you find my ghost…” Delta placed a hand on Kane’s shoulder. “I know. I will make this right. I promise.” The Hunter nodded slowly. “Tell no one of our conversation. If anyone asks, we never spoke,” he said, turning back to the now absent alcohol. “Bartender! I need another round!” Delta watched him for a moment more, then left the club. He couldn’t put it off any longer. He had to find Lab 6, and this time he would not go alone. [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Post/1371758/225835458/0/0]Chapter 8[/url] [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/224417569?page=0&sort=0&showBanned=0&path=1]The Hub[/url]