Hello Stranga': Malefactor Quest

[Retane]

The hooded comrades reached the Fifth Tier. It was as if the two were traveling back in time. Towards the Dark Ages of Civilization. The Emerald Warrior took a few moments to consider his surroundings. The air definitely was not clean. Carbon run vehicles drove by the streets with comings and goings . There were a few soldiers walking about here and there, but Retane could feel that they barely had a grasp here. The urchins and vagabonds seemed to sneak easily behind their backs.

Far off in the distance the keen sight of the Namekian caught his destination. He strode onward, avoiding pumping into passerby's. Arith seemed to follow suit, however he hummed a low tune as he went. The Horsemen had tunnel vision, though he never let his periphreals be blind. He didn't trust these people. He had no reason to, he was almost on edge actually; Anxious to get this power.

They reached the building they had been destined to reach. The Horseman glanced around forth and walked through the door labeled, 'Archives of Ultan'. The green warrior looked around. Not many people were there at all, at least that he could see. Retane felt a grab from behind him and a whisper near his ear, "Shhh. We have to be quiet. It's a library."

The Namekian Warrior turned his head away from Arith and pulled back his hood. The place was enormous, bigger then what he expected. It had shelves to the ceiling, all racked with books of different sizes and colors. The place had many rows of the shelves, each one having several breaks for someone to pass through and each section having its own roll-about ladder. In the center though, looking up towards and issuing a, 'Welcome', was a man. He offered a smile at the two and Retane felt this was the man he needed to speak to.

"How may I help you good sirs' today?" And elderly man with small glasses stood behind the desk. He wore a a grey cloak and seemed happy as ever to have customers.

Retane glanced behind him to look at Arith who hadn't removed his Hood or Helm and shook his head, but turned back around, " Are you Ultan? I am looking for some information and I was told he would be the best person to speak to."

"Why, yes I am. What is it that you are looking for?", Ultan offered a bigger smile.

"There was a book, ' Space Marines: The Good, Bad, Ugly, Uglier, and Unmentionable'. It was by Geoff Haskel. I've learned that all copies even those here, were tracked down and destroyed. I understand though, I was told that you were one of the few that may actually remember anything about the book.

The elder paused and thought for a few moments. His eyes lit up thought the longer he thought. "I remember it. I read it as soon as it came in. Rex brought me it personally. Mr. Haskel had personally signed it. A shame they came and tried to take it. I told them it had been stolen. Rex never caught up to the thief.' There was a twinkle of mischief in the eye of the old man though for a few moments.

'It was a biography. Mr. Haskel wrote about his tells in service. Even things he shouldn't have. He started the book by saying people were going to get mad. He said he had been through a lot. It was actually published below us. He had done it out of spite after his brother had been taken over by a sentient being they had constructed."

"The Malefactor..." Retane murmured.

"Yes. It was called Project Malefactor. They had created these organisms to induce power and strength to combat the demons of the overlord of the imprisoned, Diablo." Ultan paused as he thought for a few more moments. " You know, not many people know it, but Mr. Haskell still lives in search of his brother."

The Green Namekian cocked his head slightly, and exhaled the words in a question, "Still lives in search of his brother?"

"Oh, Yes. I tend to keep in contact with Mr. Haskell. He has promised me another book for my own possession when he has found and released his brother from his cursed state", Ultan was beaming.

Retane took the words in carefully and took a deep breath as he chose his next words carefully, "Would you know how I could reach Mr. Haskell? Perhaps I could help him?"

The Archivist nodded his head, and wrote down a few directions from the closest staircase to get to the mans house. "When you get there, ask for 'Bubbles'. Tell him 'Popper' sent you."

The Namekian paused for a moment and shrugged, "Thank you", and started to turn around.

"What are your names strangers", Ultan called towards them.

"Arith and he is Nova." The Lythian was quick to speak but looked around hoping not to be scolded.

As they exited the doors Retane could hear the murmurs of Ultan, "Maleficus Nova: The New Evil... Now I would like to read that book."