We could tell the second we crossed into Brilliance. The tops of glass buildings could be seen over the tree line and the bustle of city life echoed out. While generally the keys born into Brilliance are gifted in record keeping and history, there are many whose talents lie in different arts. Since Brilliance enjoyed the most freedom out of the commonwealths, they had entire departments dedicated to things ranging from research to espionage. Their largest export, however, was information, and information brokering is a very lucrative business.

After a lengthy wind through paths and alleys, they found the Library. It rose in four towers, lined with stained glass murals depicting the history they worked so hard to keep. At it’s core was the Pagoda, four jutting corners coming to the steep point of the metal woven roof. In it, patterns of galaxies lay with crystals at their centers. It was a sister to four others, each the center of their respective commonwealth. It remains the primary place for high profile events, including the Defining ceremonies. Rezin walked the perimeter, stopping to examine each tower door carefully. When they reached the second door, she was surprised to hear a sharp cry come from Callum.

“Eyeballs. Who covers a door in Eyeballs! WHY ARE THEY REAL EYEBALLS.” Despite his protests, he stepped closer to investigate the blinking mass.

“I think this is the tower for the probability keys, mystics, whatever you want to call them. It’s not the right one anyway.” She began walking the direction of the third, a visibly disturbed Callum traveling behind cautiously.

The third was a simple pale gold with a blue magnifying glass knocker. Rezin found the small door, careful to avoid the books she knew would be littered all over the floor. She had turned her head around a few shelves before she spotted him.

“Zachariah, is that you!?” Rezin called excitedly, spotting the bright blue robes swishing around the mystery section. Zachariah possessed a very rare memory key, It's said only two are born per 300 years. Luckily, he was there during the experiments, it’s a morbid bond, but it means his services are always available.

“Rez? Oh look at you, where’d those curves come from? And you brought sour puss, hey there kitty cat why don't you stay in the back while I chat with the lady in private,” he beamed his teeth at Cal.

Rezin clicked her tongue, “You know, old man, How exactly would I have curves now? I haven’t changed at all since I last saw you. We both know that.”

Zachariah smiled, “Maybe it’s the tighter outfit? I’d have to see you out of it to verify. ”

Rezin shot him a dangerous look. “Listen, I need some blueprints for the House, and any intel you have on our neighbors. I considered going there for reinforcements but I don’t want to run into a country that's full of psychopaths or warlords.”

“Whoa straight to business, I like it. Well, they are all personality keys, some of them are bound to be especially gifted in that... area. I understand your concern. But, I think thats a bit much even for you to ask, Rez. What do you have for trade. Surely, you have some juicy news from within the Hours?”

“We have information about Continuance. Does that sound enticing enough?”

Zach raised an incredulous eyebrow, “One of the hours?”

“Yes, the 11th hour herself.” Cal was looking away at this point, obviously upset. His face only fueled Zach's interest.

“Soyala? No one has heard from her in weeks, but she's not dead, we would know.” He scratched his chin, searching their faces. “Alright, I'll bite. Blueprints and info in exchange for Soyala's information. Do we have a deal? Hands out, it’ll be a painless delve. Probably.”

Rezin nodded to Cal, their hands quickly snatched. A voice in the back of their conscious began it's chill procession 'Alright, I'm going to etch the blueprints into both of you, the info about Sentiment into Rezin only. I don't trust your mind, boy.' Cal winced at the remark,'Who has the memory of Soyala's information?' Rezin hesitated, 'Technically, we both do. He dealt directly with the Elder, but I found the initial clue.' A sigh was heard, 'I normally charge double for two digs, but I'll do it just for you, please don't resist,Cal, you're basically punching my head. I'm just going to pull your memory-

-ahhhh, that's interesting. What a terrible fate. BUT WORTH A LOT! Good trade!'

Rezin blinked a few times, trying to shake the sick feeling in her stomach. She searched around for Cal, but realized his location after hearing the choking sounds from the trash behind them. The after effects of the process aren't fun. In rooms where delves happen, there are unlimited places to be sick. Zach's particular place had multi colored pots lining the wall, a contrast from the computers and metal work that stood opposite.

“What other brokers have you been working with lately, Zach? I know you used to feed information to Gemma with Smriti but no one has seen her in so long. Did you guys have a falling out?” Zach's face darkened, he sunk low into his chair putting his head in his hands.

“She was taken. Recently. She had just finished the job in Sentiment, collecting the intel I just gave you. She said she had one more thing to check on, at the House. But she hasn't been back since. I don't know if he finally got her or not. I can't find her, I've sent the best people I know and there's no trace. If he... If he killed her too, I swear I will put all I have in to ending this. Every resource at my disposal, I will use my power until it kills me.” The room fell silent, each person knew the seriousness of using one's true power. Every key has a broad spectrum of abilities, and many keys even possess the same ones. But there is an ultimate power that comes from the soul, an individual mark. Using it reduces one's lifespan each time, it is rarely mentioned and never taught in hopes that it won't be discovered for use. Zach and Smriti are the only memory keys in this century, having them born at the same time was a big deal, so they'd always known each other. When he went into broking she was his main collector, risking herself constantly to obtain the most guarded and even the most damaged memories.

“We will search for Smriti, ask around the Hours; See if anyone’s heard anything.” Cal said this without glancing at Rezin, knowing that for her, the search for Rena took precedence.

“Oh wonderful day! Now, shake on it shake on it, GOOD!” Zach sat back in his chair, kicking his feet up. He pushed a little green crystal button his desk. “MARTHA, MARTHA bring me my lunch, would you, thanks doll.” They watched a woman, more metal than person, saunter to him mere minutes later, placing down a jar with a thick green liquid.

“What uh.. What is that stuff? It smells..like dirt, kind of.” Cal scrunched his nose and peered at the drink distastefully.

“Oh. Kale! And some protein. Some celery. Really anything my secretary found that was green. Got to stay in shape, you know, healthy heart, healthy mind! And boy, does my mind need to stay on top. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to share this fantastic bit of info, I happen to know where Aviva hangs out in the summer, I got a little tip from Aki. I also may have gotten a little tip that this is a lead you're interested in.” He smirked and glanced up at Rezin, begging her to ask what.

She sighed and asked without looking up, “What did Aki say?”

Cal made an odd face and pinched his eyebrows together before suddenly turning to Zach, “Wait, I thought they slept when it wasn't their season.

“Well, she’s had a bit of insomnia.”