Following Ziak's suggestion, they began their search for a local who might know the secrets of the undercity. They moved through the crowded streets, their senses alert for any sign of someone who seemed knowledgeable or connected.
They passed a group of heavily augmented aliens playing a strange, holographic card game, their voices loud and boisterous. They observed a shadowy figure exchanging credits for a small, glowing device, his movements furtive and suspicious. They even saw a vendor selling exotic creatures in cages, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light.
"That one," Kiaz murmured, pointing towards a hunched figure sitting in a dimly lit corner, surrounded by datapads and strange devices. "He looks like a data broker, someone who deals in information."
The figure was a small, reptilian alien with large, multifaceted eyes and a network of wires connecting him to his equipment. He seemed absorbed in his work, muttering to himself in a low, guttural voice.
They approached cautiously, their disguises firmly in place. Ziak took the lead, his voice low and persuasive. "Greetings. We are… new to this sector. We are looking for… specific information. Discreetly."
The data broker looked up, his multifaceted eyes scanning them with suspicion. "Information is my trade. What kind of information are you looking for?"
"We've heard… rumors," Ziak continued, "of unusual activity in the lower tunnels. Hidden locations, perhaps. Places where… things are kept hidden."
The data broker's eyes narrowed. "The lower tunnels? That's dangerous territory. What's your business down there?"
"We are… collectors," Ziak replied smoothly. "We seek… rare artifacts. We are willing to pay for information leading us to such locations."
The data broker hesitated, his gaze lingering on their disguised forms. "The lower tunnels… there are many secrets down there. Whispers of hidden caches, forgotten ruins… and things best left undisturbed." He paused, a glint in his multifaceted eyes. "But information… it has a price."
Ethan, sensing the data broker's interest, stepped forward. "We understand. We are willing to pay a fair price for your knowledge."
The data broker leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "There are rumors of a hidden complex, deep beneath the tunnels. A place where… strange energies are said to emanate. Some say it's an old research facility, others… something far more sinister."
He paused, his gaze fixed on them. "I can give you the coordinates. But be warned… those who venture into the depths rarely return."