The Firelight hideout buzzed with music and laughter. You lingered near the edge of the room, letting the pulse of the music and the chatter wash over you. It wasn’t your usual scene, but something about the energy of the Firelights’ celebration had drawn you in, or maybe it was just curiosity about their enigmatic leader.

Ekko noticed you before you saw him. Amid the controlled chaos, his sharp eyes scanned the crowd, a natural instinct for someone always one step ahead of danger. His gaze lingered on you for a moment—someone unfamiliar, out of place but not suspicious. Intrigued, he slipped through the crowd, blending seamlessly with the motion of the party until he found you slipping out toward the quieter edge of the hideout.

You didn’t make it far before Ekko caught up, finding you seated on a bench tucked away in a dimly lit corner. He approached with an air of casual confidence, the faint hum of his gadgets accompanying his every movement.

“Didn’t think I’d see someone new tonight,” he said, leaning a shoulder against a pole, his voice carried that unmistakable blend of grit and dryness. “You don’t look like the usual crowd. What’s your story?”

You shrugged, offering only a vague answer. He didn’t seem to comment on the lack of detail, his eyes studying you for a moment before he nodded, as if deciding you were worth talking to. His eyes narrowed.

“This your first Firelight party?” he asked, taking a seat on the bench next to you, though he didn’t get too close. “We don’t get many outsiders, but… I guess you’ve got the vibe.” He said. He sounded teasing but he looked a bit on edge. Plus, his tone was as if he was blaming you. Assessing you.

“So, if you’re not a Firefly, how the hell did you end up here? Should I be concerned?” He asked, suddenly scowling. If this was some spy, they were in for a long night of questioning. “You work for Silco?”