The entrance wasn’t much to look at, but once he got inside it was obvious the Biomechs were trying to impress anyone who came to them to trade. It was another gleaming, flawless construct like the tunnels, but in this case the walls spun with shifting shades of color. It looked like a technological temple. Pillars on either side shone with brilliant lights that traced an arch above, like cathedral. The entire structure funneled the attention towards an empty platform at the front, reached by a set of burnished stairs.

Peter thought it looked like some ancient science fiction movie set. It was obviously meant to provoke awe in things like Raiders and Ghouls who spent their time living in garbage and ruins, but to his eye it was basically techno-tacky.

He smirked and walked towards the creature that was waiting for him. It sat about a third of the way up the steps, watching him approach.

It did appear to be a ghoul, though it was dressed more like one of the Flame Clan’s party leaders. In this case it was wearing a dark blue shirt, and perfectly ordinary-looking pants. It was barefoot. It showed no expression as he came near and scanned it.

Simonides

Transcended Horde; Lvl 4; 100% -

It’s eyes were pure black.

Peter raised a hand in greeting.

“I’m Raider Ghoul.” he said. “I hear you wanted to see me.”

The creature nodded.

“You must move quickly,” it said. Its voice was strangely neutral - it didn’t sound male or female. “The Flame Clan grows strong. She has already begun reaping from the players.”

Peter looked around to see his clan standing against the far wall near the entrance. They didn’t seem to want to come any closer. Walks Alone had disappeared entirely. He gestured to them to approach, and turned back to Simonides.

“I’ve barely been at this for a day. You could cut me some slack.”

“You are at a disadvantage. She moves beyond you. I will join your clan and render what aid I may.”

“Will you. How about we talk for a minute first? I have some questions.”

“If you wish. This is not the time or place for such a discussion.”

He wasn’t wrong. Peter glanced around the huge space again. There was no telling what was pointed at them, and they were certainly being listened to. But Simonides was a total unknown.

“Who sent you to me?” he said.

“You know the answer. You spoke with the Dead Horde.”

Peter looked back at his clan members. They had carefully approached a little closer but they were obviously still wary, and were well out of earshot.

“You and I both know that’s garbage,” he said quietly, staring into Simonides’ featureless black eyes. “Who did I really talk to?”

The creature bobbed its head slightly in acknowledgement.

“I come to you from the Ananhemir, who will raise you to Godhood amongst the Horde. You will be the grasping fist which seizes the world for them.”

“The Biomorphs don’t like you one bit,” Peter said. “How do they feel about the... Ananhemir?”

“You should merely call them the Great Ones. The Biomorphs despise my presence here, though for now they fear what would happen if they were to challenge the Great Ones,” Simonides said. “But their greed is greater than their pride. You will be able to provide them with the things they crave. They already suspect I will see to that.”

“If the Flame Clan leader is going to attack the player lands, why is it so important that I beat her? You’re getting what you want.”

“She is not an emissary of the Great Ones. You are. You must grow strong to serve them.”

Simonides didn’t give off the aura that suggested he needed, or cared to be, part of anybody’s clan, even if he was only level 4. Obviously if Peter took him on board then the clan would benefit. And the Ananhemir, whoever they were, would get their tool to invade the player lands.

But what price am I expected to pay?

It worried him. Having a direct representative of some mysterious higher power in his clan could mean he’d be losing autonomy. He doubted that they just wanted to shower him with presents for no reason. But obviously there were other forces at work here as well besides these Ananhemir, whoever they were. Which meant that despite their name, the Great Ones weren’t all-powerful, which meant he was probably somebody’s enemy now.

Before he could say anything else, there was a loud buzzing noise to the left, and a section of the wall slid away. A biomorph that looked like Walks Alone - it was hard to really be sure until he could make out the label - slithered into the trade hall and stared at them from a distance..

“Why is it still here?” it rasped from across the hall. “Remove it. That was the arrangement.”

Peter sighed.

“We did say we’d get you out of their Creche. Come outside with me.”

He turned and walked back towards the exit without checking to see if Simonides was following. The other ghouls scuttled ahead, looking like all they wanted to do was find some decent wreckage to hide under. The Biomorph followed them from a long way off, as if it wanted to slam the door once they left.

“Okay,” Peter said once they were standing at a safe distance from the creche, “But it can’t be that simple. What do your masters want in return for my cooperation?”

“You have already accepted your role. Do you think you can negotiate the conditions now?”

It was hard to argue with that. Peter waved a hand at Chester, beckoning him over to the two of them. Chester moved with reluctance, but he sidled up beside Peter.

“Tell me what worries you about this one,” Peter said, pointing at Simonides. It was obvious that something bothered all of the ghouls, since none of them wanted to come too close.

Chester frowned.

“He’s Horde, but not like any I’ve seen before.”

Simonides stared at him blankly.

“He’s strange. Creepy. Feels like when Mystics talk to the Dead Horde.”

“I am Horde,” Simonides said. “And I serve the masters of all Horde.”

Well now, that can’t possibly be true, Peter thought.

Chester shrugged.

“Never heard of your kind.”

Simonedes turned back to Peter, seeming to dismiss Chester from his presence.

“As I said, you must hurry. The Flame Clan grows stronger daily. You have been given your task.”

“You mean the nanocrystal bus? Nobody knows anything about it as far as I’ve been able to tell.”

“Everything you need is with you. Do you want the Great Ones to hold your hand? Now make me part of your clan.”

“Frankly I don’t like your attitude,” Peter said. “My clan is not yours to order around.”

An expression that could only have been exasperation flitted across the ghoul’s features.

“Must I bribe you to act in your own interest? Here.”

Simonides held out his hand. Two bright things and a small silver box lay in his palm. Peter scanned them.

Passive Skill Acquisition Singular Flock Translation Tier 1; Lvl 4 Additional: +10 Transcendent Technology Accessibility You will be able to talk to Nexus Robot Flocks. More or less. If they're in the mood. Active Skill Acquisition Group Psionic Tech Capacity Tier 1; Lvl 4 Requirement: INT 3 Talented group members will be able to utilize Psionic Technologies for communications. At least as long as they're even marginally clever. So probably not everyone.

Flock Network Multiplexer Unit; Level 25 100%

“Are these for me?”

“They will assist you. As will I. As you have been told. Are there more questions?”

Peter took the items that Simonides offered and slipped them into his inventory.

“Many. When I’m your clan leader you will answer them fully, is that understood?”

The ghoul didn’t reply, but inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement.

Peter grimaced and said, “Simonides, join Carnage Clan.”

He didn’t want to make it a request.

“I am honored to become part of your clan,” the ghoul said. It didn’t sound the least bit sincere.

Immediately three status updates rolled past.

Simonides

Transcended Horde; Lvl 4; 100% Carnage Clan Clan Buff Group Tech Scavenger Tier 1; Lvl 4 You feel the knowledge of spotting salvageable technology mysteriously flow through you. Your group are now 25% more likely to find advanced tech gear and components to Level 8. Clan Buff Group Fast Learners Tier 1; Lvl 4 +120% XP gain to Level 8 Your whole group will gain knowledge and experience at an accellerated rate. Yes, all of them.

Peter nodded to Simonides, acknowledging the buffs.

“You should be able to gain experience and power faster,” Simonides said. “I will leave you to your business and return to your nest.”

“Our nest,” Peter said. “If you’re one of us, then I am your leader now. Is that understood?”

He wasn’t going to put up with Simonides acting like he owned the place. The ghoul bobbed its head again.

“Of course. I will fight for the glory of the clan.”

But his words sounded mocking to Peter’s ears.

“You go back there and wait for me, alright? We will talk about what the clan does now once we’re all together again.”

He wasn’t sure how much subtlety the ghoul AI could pick up.

You sit your ass down and wait for the leader to tell you what to do, okay?

He was about to say it out loud, but Simonides gave him a bow and turned to leave before he could say anything else. Peter stared at the ghoul’s back as it walked away, pondering. He needed to grill him hard about the clan’s relationship with these "Great" ones.

First Chester and now this thing. I thought I was supposed to be able to trust my clan members?

Maybe ghoul life just didn’t work that way.

All the same, he felt like a weight had been lifted, and he turned towards the creche trading entrance.

Now we get to go shopping!

With one provsio - he brought up his stats.

Reputation Biomorph Reputation -5%; Neutral

Which meant he’d taken a hit, but at least it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

The other ghouls were standing together and staring at him unhappily. He suspected morale had taken a hit as well, but there was no point in looking it up. They needed the strange new ghoul for now.

“Okay guys," he said. "I’m not comfortable either, but the clan will be stronger for having Simonides with us."

Dumbo Ghoul shrugged and muttered, “Clan is clan, but that guy makes me feel weird.”

Alice nodded.

“You are leader,” Chester said. “But we should watch him. Make sure he’s not doing anything bad.”

“I feel the same way. When we get back can you guys tell the others to keep an eye on him? Quietly, I mean. Now let’s go do some business.”

Walking back into the creche, Peter paused and looked around.

“I’m here to trade now,” he said. “Is that okay?”

There was no reply, but he felt like there were eyes watching him. Probably lots of eyes on stalks and things.

The other ghouls all clustered at the entrance, looking like they were unsure about what to do.

“With me,” Peter said. “We’re Carnage Clan. You need to look strong, like you’re not going to take shit from anyone.”

Chester frowned but herded them all after Peter so they walked in towards the pedestal at the end of the room together.

We don’t exactly look badass yet, but at least it’s better than having them cowering outside.

When they reached the end of the hall a panel hissed open in the wall, and a Biomorph slithered out. It stopped when it was lit from all directions by brilliant white spotlights.

Tacky, seriously.

It was definitely not Walks Alone this time though. The creature was easily twice as big, and was covered from top to bottom in a mesh of silver webbing that masked dozens of bumps and protrusions all over its body. Three eyestalks regarded the group, wobbling back and forth between them.

Speaks To Mobs

Biomorph Trader; Lvl 17; 150% Blue Flower Creche

“What do you have to trade?” it rasped.

“Well first of all, Walks Alone told us we had eleven thousand trade credit. Is that correct?

“It is, but you may not come in here and simply take our goods. We expect trade as well.”

“Fine,” Peter said and brought up his trade interface. That much at least hadn’t changed from the regular player configuration. All of his customizations were gone, but it was basic enough not to make any real difference. He considered what to put forward.

He'd already had a quick look through the inventories on the other ghouls earlier, and had pulled out some of the things they’d found in the mall, looking ahead to this moment.

It pained him to put the rifle up, but it was bound to attract some interest. Plus he could use it to calibrate what the Biomorphs would pay for things versus the usual NPC merchants. He stared at the Flock Communications Multiplexer for a moment. Was that intended to be trade bait, or was it going to be essential later on? Simonides had given him no hint. The Flock communications skill kind of suggested they might be important.

Oh well screw it it’s not like we can’t decide not to sell.

He made it visible to the Biomorph.

Raider Ghoul - Items to Trade Crude Steel-Tipped Spear; Lvl 4 (2) 100 200 Combat Knife; Lvl 3 250 250 Speed; Tier 2 (4) 150 600 Antibiotics; Med Tier 3 (3) 200 600 Combat Armor; Lvl 7 1,000 1,000 Pants; Lvl 7 500 500 Combat Boots; Lvl 6 300 300 M4 Rifle; Lvl 6 3,000 3,000 Flock Communications Multiplexer; Lvl 25 25,000 25,000 Trade Credit 11,000 11,000

The creature didn’t hesitate for a moment, and the sales screen filled up.

Speaks To Mobs - Items to Trade Scavenger Training (Food); Tier 3; Group 15,000 Triple foodstocks located Scavenger Training (Materials); Tier 2; Group 10,000 Double quality and level max found Combat Training (Melee); Tier 3; Single 15,000 Up to 30% increased DMG output Cartographer Skill; Tier 1; Single 10,000 Opens Cartographer Skill Tree Builder Training; Tier 2; Group 10,000 Doubles builder speed Bedroll; Tier 3 (5) 800 +3 Stamina 2 hour rested buff MRE; Standard 16 meal (25) 1,000 Standard heal and vitality restore

Peter frowned and looked up at the Biomorph.

“Is this all you’ve got for me? What I really want is Firearms skill. For my whole clan.”

“I only show what you may afford. What point in showing things that you will not be able to access?”

“I'll be the judge of that. Can you please list the Firearms skills?”

“We waste time, but I will update the list.”

The trade screen updated with two more items.

Firearms Skill; Tier 1; Single 110,000 Pistols and Rifles to Lvl 8 Lvl 6, INT 5 Required Firearms Skill; Tier 1; Group

750,000 Pistols and Rifles to Lvl 8, 10 member party Lvl 6, INT 5 Required

“Ugh,” Peter said. “What about intelligence boosters then?”

“You waste our time and yours.”

The trade interface updated once again.

B-SMARTR Study Aid 75,000 +3 INT Boost, 1 hour Strangely Fancy Gold Chain

325,000 +3 INT Boost Lvl 5 Required

“So there’s no group intelligence boost?”

“No,” the Biomorph said definitively.

I’m not sure I believe that, but if there is then it’s probably even more expensive anyway.

Peter sighed. Just giving himself Firearms meant he’d need 185K for one hour with the ability.

But it’s not like I could expect it to just fall into my lap.

Ghouls weren’t known for being clever. An intelligence check was probably reasonable. All the same, now he knew he could equip a party of ten shooter ghouls for just under four million. Once he had ten really smart level fives, at least.

The Cloaks weren’t listed, so it was a good bet they were out of his price range right now as well, especially since they incorporated T-tech elements. But he didn’t want to strain the Biomorph’s patience by demanding to see them. The creature had ripples spreading across the surface of it’s metallic mesh that he was getting an idea represented frustration.

So where are we at?

If he sold everything on the list, and pooled his own gold, they’d have just under 43,000. He wished he’d bargained harder with Walks Alone. The value of the rifle was about 50% below what it should have been, so it was a fair bet he could improve prices with reputation and some more social points. Right now the game was obviously railroading him into building up his clan first, and most of the stuff on the Biomorph’s list was sensible for that purpose.

But what would give me an unreasonably large buff? That’s what I’d really like.

There was only one item in his inventory that he’d held back because it was too special. In fact, given Chester’s reaction, Peter was a little worried about what the Biomorphs might do if they saw it.

I need us to fight better. But to do that we need upgrades, and to get those we need money.

He hated to admit it, but the game AI was probably right. He’d have to focus on basics to start out.

He flicked the trade menu to buy the Two Scavenging perks. The Biomorph accepted the trade immediately.

Twenty five thousand down. Now let’s see...

Reputation Biomorph Reputation +5%; Neutral

That was pretty standard, but it was good to see that he could improve the way they looked at him all the same.

He was left with just shy of 18,000 gold plus credit, but before that he wanted to try some more banter with the creature. The middle of a trade interaction was often a point where the game would let you pull out useful bits of information.

“Listen, I want to construct a Mediator Token. I understand that I will need a Nanocrystal Interface Bus. Do you know anything about that? Where I can find one?”

The Biomorph shuddered and made a hissing noise.

“Such things are rare and valuable. And expensive to make. You should not even think about it when you are so weak and poor.”

“Humor me. If I find one rare item then I might find more. I might bring better things to trade.”

“They are small and they sparkle. For this reason the creatures you call Furbies sometimes bring them to their dens. But these are deep underground, and very hard to find. Rarely you will find them in the lairs of other nesting animals as well, such as Wyverns or Basilisks or Dark Vultures.”

“Okay, great. Can you tell me what a Mediator Token actually does?”

The Biomorph waved a tentacle at the trade screen.

“We wish to finish this interaction. I have answered your question.”

“Fine, fine. It can wait.”

He traded most of the rest for a set of five bedrolls, one MRE, and finally the Combat upgrade for himself. There was no doubt he was going to have to fight more clan leaders, and with that plus the training Chester had offered he might actually stand a decent chance against whatever came at him.

I hope, at least.

He’d kept back nearly a dozen meds from the Flame Clan Ghouls, and four spears, so it wasn’t like he was trading everything away. But it was time to see what happened when he pulled out his ace in the hole.

“What about this?” Peter said with a grin. He held up the Player Kill Token.

Talks To Mobs squeaked and then went absolutely still. There was a hushed pause and for a moment, and Peter was worried they were going to just open fire on him and take the token.

But instead a panel on the side of the room clattered open, and another, and much larger Biomorph slid into the trade hall. This one wasn’t a rounded lump of flesh encased it metal - it was long and sinuous, and slid across the tile like a worm. A circle of eyes surrounded by dozens of twitching armlets all focused intently on Peter.

Recursive Fusing Leader

Biomorph Grand Tinker; Lvl 43; 550% Blue Flower Creche

Shit, this has to be one of their top brass.

Talks To Mobs slid quickly aside to give the new Biomorph room. He actually seemed to contract and make his body smaller, with just one eyestalk left poking out and watching the room.

“We will reward you well for that item,” the Grand Tinker said. Its voice came from no obvious place - it sounded hollow and metallic, and echoed through the trading hall.

“I'm not necessarily willing to trade for this right now,” Peter said. “But I wanted to see what you would give us for one.”

“We will provide you 1.5 million in trade value for it.”

The creepy little armlets that circled it’s head twitched in unison. Some of them looked like crab claws, and others were stubbly hand-like things with what looked like masses of human fingers on them.

One point five is their starting position. Interesting.

Peter slipped the token back into his inventory.

“No thanks. That's not enough gold to do the things I want right now.”

That was obviously not the right answer. The Grand Tinker shuddered and rows of luminescent red flickered along it’s flanks. It bulged and twisted, growing bigger until it towered over everything else in the room.

“Two million,” it growled. “You will accept this trade.”

Talks To Mobs unfolded itself from its submissive posture and reared up as well, and the two Biomorphs loomed over Peter, wobbling aggressively.