The banner overhead "Collectors' Haven: Annual Card, Comics, & Game Expo!" practically sparkled, inviting wallets to empty themselves willingly. Rows of tables stretched as far as the eye could see, loaded with binders, boxes, and displays showcasing treasures from across the card-collecting world.
Nathan adjusted the sturdy binder tucked under his arm, feeling its weight like a promise. The cards inside weren't just valuable they were perfect, thanks to Cortana's input. A quiet confidence settled over him as he took in the chaos of the event.
"Alright, let's get moving," Nathan said, his voice calm but focused. "Someone here has to know who's buying."
Faye practically skipped beside him, her wide-eyed gaze darting from one table to another. "Wow. This place is insane! It's like walking into a giant nerdy treasure chest."
Nathan smirked. "You could say that."
Faye pointed at a group of kids rushing past with binders nearly bigger than themselves. "You think your cards will stand out with all this competition?"
Nathan glanced at the pristine binder he held black leather with reinforced corners, perfect for safeguarding what was inside. "If they don't, then we've got a bigger problem."
"Fair point," Faye said, peeking curiously at the binder. "You know, Cortana did a scary-good job helping you put that together. It's like a nerd's version of the holy grail."
Nathan chuckled but stayed focused. "Let's just find the right table before you start comparing it to the Ark of the Covenant."
They waded into the crowd, where collectors clustered tightly around booths and vendors. Some people had open binders spread out on tables, trading cards back and forth. Others negotiated prices, holding up sleeves of shiny holographics under the bright overhead lights.
As Nathan moved, his eyes scanning for tables with serious buyers, people willing to talk high-end deals, not just casual trades.
Meanwhile, Faye drifted slightly, her excitement bubbling over. She was a sharp contrast to Nathan's calm focus, and her energy didn't go unnoticed.
She stopped to admire a vendor's binder, full of holographic cards. "Oh my gosh, is that an original Jungle Jolteon? That's adorable!"
The vendor smiled proudly. "Yep, near mint condition."
Behind her, two guys whispered, staring at Faye like deer caught in headlights.
"Is she... actually interested in this stuff?" one mumbled.
His friend swatted his arm. "Don't embarrass yourself."
Faye turned and gave them a bright smile, oblivious to their awkward stares. "Your cards are awesome!" she chirped before skipping back to Nathan's side.
Nathan paused at the first table that seemed promising, a Yu-Gi-Oh! booth run by a young vendor with neatly organized displays.
"Excuse me," Nathan said, shifting the binder slightly in his hands. "Do you know anyone here looking to buy high-value cards?"
The vendor sized Nathan up, curious. "What kind of high-value cards?"
Nathan opened the binder just enough to reveal the edge.
The vendor's eyes widened. "You might want to check the trading row in the back. Table 46 there's a guy there who's been dropping serious cash all morning."
Nathan nodded. "Thanks."
As he closed the binder, Faye leaned over his shoulder. "That one's so shiny. I'd be terrified of breathing near it."
"You and me both," Nathan muttered.
As they made their way toward the trading row, Nathan noticed Faye's magnetic ability to cause chaos wherever she went:
At a Magic: The Gathering booth, she pointed at a framed Black Lotus behind glass. "Wait, THAT card's worth thousands of dollars? It's just a flower!"
The vendor raised an eyebrow, trying not to look offended.
Behind her, a guy tripped over a display stand while staring. His friend facepalmed. "Bro, can you not right now?"
At a corner table full of Digimon cards, Faye asked a vendor, "Do people still collect these? I thought they stopped in the 2000s."
The vendor sputtered. "Of course they do! It's still alive!"
Nathan sighed, pulling her away gently. "You're going to start a riot if you keep talking."
Faye grinned, completely unfazed. "I'm just curious!"
After stopping at a few more tables and getting similar directions, Nathan finally had enough leads pointing him to the back of the hall. The trading row was quieter, but far more intense. Serious collectors and buyers huddled over tables, binders splayed open as numbers were whispered back and forth.
"Alright," Nathan muttered, his grip tightening on the binder. "This is the place."
Faye's voice dropped to a whisper as she took in the atmosphere. "Whoa... it's like a nerd black market back here."
Nathan snorted, shaking his head. "Stay close, and let's not cause a scene."
"You do know who you're talking to, right?" she teased, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
Nathan's focus sharpened as he scanned the tables, spotting Table 46 the one everyone kept directing him toward. A man in a blue cap sat there, flipping through binders, his movements precise and deliberate. He was clearly serious about the cards he handled.
"Time to make this count," Nathan said under his breath.
Faye gave him an encouraging nudge. "You've got this. Show them what a pro looks like!"
Nathan took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and walked toward the table, binder in hand, ready to see what kind of offers he could get.
As Nathan strode toward the vendor's table with the calm determination of a man on a mission, Faye lingered behind, her curiosity pulling her toward a different part of the convention.
"Nerd black market, huh?" she muttered to herself, casting a final glance at Nathan's retreating form before turning her head and spotting a new row of booths. Her eyes widened.
It was a section dedicated to games, comic book figures, and pop culture collectibles. Bright lights illuminated shelves packed with action figures, carefully posed statues, and boxed limited editions of characters from all corners of gaming and fandom.
"Okay, this has to be investigated," she said aloud, drifting away like a moth to a flame.
The first booth she passed showcased retro video games and their collectible cases. A vendor loudly proclaimed that he had "every console from 1989 onward." A kid tested an old NES system while his dad wiped a tear of nostalgia from his eye.
Faye smiled, moving on. The next booth overflowed with comic book action figures, Marvel, DC, even obscure characters that only the most hardcore fans would recognize. She spotted an entire shelf dedicated to Spider-Man, his iconic poses recreated with meticulous detail.
"Oooh," she murmured, running her fingers just above a figure of Spider-Man clinging to a building wall, the webs glinting as if frozen mid-shoot. "If I had money to burn, I'd probably buy all of you."
She forced herself to move on, determined to not get distracted for too long. That's when she spotted it.
Her steps faltered, her jaw falling slightly open as her gaze locked on a life-size Halo 2 Master Chief statue. It stood tall and imposing, the iconic green Mjolnir armor gleaming under the convention lights as if the Spartan had just walked off the battlefield.
She blinked, then practically sprinted over. "No way. No freaking way."
The statue wasn't just any statue—it was signed. She leaned closer, squinting at the crisp writing on the chest plate:
"Finish the Fight! - Steve Downes"
Steve Downes. The voice actor for Master Chief.
Her jaw dropped even further as she noticed more signatures scattered along the armor plating. Some were neat, others scribbled in stylized lettering, but all of them were familiar.
Bungie Studios. The creators of the original Halo franchise.
Faye let out a strangled squeal of excitement, earning glances from nearby convention-goers. She didn't care. She moved around the statue slowly, taking in every detail the realistic scuff marks on the armor, the weathering on the helmet, and the smooth metallic gleam of the visor.
"This... this is insane," she whispered to herself, practically vibrating with awe.
The vendor at the table, an older man with a weathered face and a lanyard full of expo passes, noticed her reaction and chuckled softly. "Impressive, huh? That's a one-of-a-kind piece. Custom work, signed by Downes himself and the original team behind Halo 2."
Faye turned to him, her eyes sparkling. "You're telling me this thing is real? Like, actually signed signed?"
The vendor nodded proudly. "Yup. I even have the certificate of authenticity right here." He pulled out a laminated card from beneath the table and handed it to her. The official signatures were listed in order, along with the date it had been signed.
Faye's voice caught in her throat as she took the card, scanning it with trembling hands. "This... is the coolest thing I've ever seen. How—how much is this?"
The vendor's smile turned a bit apologetic. "It's more of a showpiece. Not really for sale. But if you want to leave a bid, I'd consider offers north of thirty grand."
"Thirty—" Faye let out a wheeze, clutching her chest.
MEANWHILE...
As Nathan approached a booth filled with rare and valuable cards, he discreetly checked his device, where Cortana was ready to assist. He whispered a quiet acknowledgment as she fed him crucial information through his earpiece, how was borrowed from Faye, her voice only audible to him.
"Remember, Nathan," Cortana advised, "these cards have a unique provenance. It's vital to maintain discretion to avoid skewing their market value prematurely."
Nathan nodded slightly, his expression calm and focused as he greeted the vendor. "Good afternoon," he began, laying out his cards with practiced ease. "I believe these might interest you, given their rarity and potential as an investment."
The vendor, initially occupied with sorting through Magic: The Gathering cards, looked up. His eyes widened slightly at Nathan's imposing stature, then narrowed in interest as they settled on the rare and super rare cards displayed before him.
"Holy—," the vendor muttered, his professional veneer briefly slipping in the face of Nathan's surprising appearance and the quality of his collection. "You don't exactly fit the profile of our usual collectors."
Nathan smiled, a hint of amusement flickering across his face. "I get that a lot. But trust me, it's these cards that are the real giants here, not me."
Intrigued, the vendor leaned in closer, inspecting a limited-edition holographic Black Lotus. "These are exceptionally well-kept. Where did you get them? They look almost untouched."
Nathan, guided by Cortana's tactical advice, kept his reply vague to stoke the vendor's curiosity. "Let's just say I've come across some fortunate opportunities," he said. "I'm looking for buyers who recognize their worth."
The vendor nodded, impressed by Nathan's demeanor and the quality of his goods. As they delved into negotiations, Cortana continued to feed Nathan information discreetly. Her voice in his ear was both comforting and commanding, ensuring he remained alert to the intricacies of high-stakes trading.
"Consider highlighting the cards' mint condition and their rarity in recent auctions," Cortana suggested quietly, her tone implying a strategic maneuver. "This could significantly enhance their perceived value."
Nathan used this insight to his advantage, discussing the potential future value of the cards, subtly weaving in the data Cortana provided to make his case. The vendor, caught up in the potential of such a unique sale began to discuss figures.
Nathan used the insight provided by Cortana to his advantage, discussing the potential future value of the cards. As he laid out the finer points of his collection, the vendor's eyes lingered on the ungraded Black Lotus card. It was a centerpiece, its allure undeniable even without a grading seal.
"The Black Lotus, as you see, isn't graded yet," Nathan mentioned casually, allowing the card to catch the light, highlighting its pristine condition. "But given its state, I believe it could reach a significant figure once officially assessed."
The vendor leaned closer, inspecting the card under a magnifying lamp. "Ungraded, you say? That does complicate things. But it looks in near mint condition. How much were you thinking?"
Cortana, ever the silent partner in this high-stakes dance, whispered in Nathan's ear. "Start at twenty percent above your target. It gives you room to negotiate down without falling below your minimum acceptable price."
"Given its condition and the current market scarcity, I'd place this at fifteen thousand," Nathan stated confidently, throwing out a number that was intentionally high but not beyond the bounds of reason for such a card.
"Fifteen thousand is steep for an ungraded card," the vendor countered, his brow furrowing slightly. "How about ten thousand?"
Cortana quickly ran the numbers, analyzing recent auction results and market trends. "Counter with twelve thousand, Nathan. It's above market rate but justifiable given the card's potential post-grading."
"Twelve thousand," Nathan replied smoothly. "It's a fair middle ground, considering the potential grading could push its value much higher."
The vendor paused, mulling over the offer. He glanced again at the Black Lotus, then at the other cards Nathan had brought, including a rare foil Mox Pearl and a Time Walk, both also ungraded but in similar excellent condition.
"Make it eleven thousand for the Black Lotus, and I'll also take the Mox Pearl and Time Walk at your asking prices," the vendor finally said, extending his hand to seal the deal.
Cortana chimed in Nathan's ear, "Accept the offer, Nathan. It's a good deal considering the overall package."
"Deal," Nathan said, shaking the vendor's hand with a firm grip. The transaction was not just a financial win but a strategic one, boosting his reputation in the niche community of high-end card trading.
As they wrapped up the paperwork and exchanged the necessary authentication documents, Nathan couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. Cortana had been invaluable, her guidance precise and her calculations spot-on. It was a reminder of the extraordinary origins of his cards, sourced through the mysterious device and selected with Cortana's help.
With the final handshake, the vendor handed over a check and some cash the agreed payment for the collection Nathan had brought. The Black Lotus alone had fetched a handsome eleven thousand dollars, with the Mox Pearl and Time Walk contributing significantly to the total. Additional cards, sold in smaller batches or individually to other buyers around the booth, rounded out his gains.
As Nathan pocketed the check and secured the cash in his wallet, he reviewed the totals. The day had been exceptionally profitable: the check for thirty thousand dollars covered the bulk of the high-value cards, while various cash transactions added up to another ten thousand. In total, Nathan walked away with forty thousand dollars from the day's sales. It was a testament to the rarity and quality of the cards and to Cortana's strategic planning and market insights.
Feeling a mixture of elation and relief, Nathan left the booth to find a quiet corner where he could safely store his earnings and take a moment to himself. He found a bench tucked away in a less crowded area of the convention center, providing a momentary escape from the hustle and bustle. Settling down, he took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day's success and the cash now securely tucked in his wallet.
As he relaxed, Nathan activated his device to silently converse with Cortana. He smiled faintly, appreciating her crucial role in today's transactions. "Cortana, thanks for the help today," he whispered, keeping his voice low to blend into the background noise of surrounding conversations.
"You performed well, Nathan. It was a logical outcome based on your preparation," Cortana replied in her crisp, analytical tone, reminiscent of her demeanor.
Nathan nodded, feeling reassured by her response. His thoughts drifted to the immediate use of his newfound wealth. "Rent's covered now, which is a relief. But I've been thinking... maybe it's time for something more permanent than an apartment. What do you think about looking for a house? Somewhere with more space, maybe more privacy too."
"A house could provide a strategic advantage," Cortana noted, her tone thoughtful, considering the tactical implications as she always did. "You have valuable items that require secure storage. Moreover, the privacy of a house would minimize external risks, especially given the capabilities of the device. It's prudent to consider a relocation to a more controlled environment."
Nathan appreciated her forward-thinking. "Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Apartments don't offer much in the way of security or space. And with the device... I need somewhere safer. Somewhere I can set up properly without worrying about thin walls or curious neighbors."
Cortana's reply was prompt, echoing his concerns with precision. "Exactly. A detached residence would enhance operational security and provide a buffer from external observation. It would also allow us to set up a more efficient workspace for managing your acquisitions from the device."
Nathan considered this, his mind ticking through the possibilities. Owning a home had always seemed like a distant dream, something out of reach until his recent financial windfall. Now, it seemed not only possible but necessary. "I'll start looking into real estate options then. It sounds like the smart move, all things considered."
"Affirmative. It would be wise to begin this transition promptly," Cortana advised, ever the voice of reason and strategy. "I will assist you in evaluating potential properties to ensure they meet our operational criteria."
Nathan stood up from the bench, feeling invigorated by the plan forming in his mind. He was ready to tackle this next challenge, comforted by Cortana's guidance and the tactical edge she provided. "Thanks, Cortana. Let's make it happen."
With a new goal in sight and his financial worries temporarily alleviated, Nathan felt a renewed sense of purpose as he headed back into the convention to find Faye. As he re-entered the bustling hall, his eyes scanned the crowd, soon spotting Faye leaving a booth that was crowded with various tech and gaming memorabilia. She was laden with several bags, indicating a successful shopping spree, though the contents remained a mystery.
"Faye!" Nathan called out, his curiosity piqued by the number of bags she was carrying. Faye turned in response, her face breaking into a broad smile as she saw him. She made her way through the crowd, her steps buoyant, the bags swinging with each step.
Nathan raised an eyebrow as Faye approached, eyeing the bags. "Looks like you bought some things. What's all this?"
Faye's smile turned mischievously, and she shifted the bags slightly. "Just picked up a few things that caught my eye," she replied cryptically.
"It must be something if you've got all this," Nathan commented, a hint of curiosity edging his tone.
"Oh, and I bought something that I need your help with tomorrow afternoon," Faye added casually, as if she had just remembered.
"What is it?" Nathan asked, his interest piqued.
"It's something I've wanted for a while," Faye said, keeping the details shrouded in mystery.
Nathan sighed with a small smile, resigning himself to the suspense. He reached over to help her with the bags, balancing some of the load as they made their way back to the car. Once they were settled in and driving back to the apartments, Nathan turned on the device discreetly to include Cortana in their conversation.
"I've been thinking," Nathan began, glancing briefly at Faye before focusing back on the road, "about getting a house. Today kind of solidified that idea. Something with more space, more privacy could be good for the three of us, especially with all the stuff we're getting into."
Cortana's voice chimed in through the car speakers, her tone analytical yet supportive. "A house would provide a strategic advantage,It would also likely reduce the risk of unintended disclosures."
Faye nodded, considering Cortana's points. "Sounds like it could be a smart move. More room for all my find," she said, glancing at the bags piled in the backseat.
"And for any large deliveries that might be hard to explain in an apartment setting," Nathan added, a sidelong glance at Faye hinting at her mysterious purchase.
"Exactly," Cortana agreed. "Should you proceed with this, I can assist in evaluating potential properties to ensure they meet your requirements for security and functionality."
Faye smiled, pleased with the support. "Then it's settled. We'll start looking into it. And Nathan, thanks for the help tomorrow in advance. You'll see why it's worth it."
Nathan chuckled, his curiosity about Faye's secretive purchase mingling with his thoughts about future house hunting. "Looking forward to it," he said.
As they approached the first stop, Faye maneuvered the car towards the strip mall where Nathan needed to handle the rent payment. "Just a quick stop to get a money order," Nathan said, explaining the brief detour before they headed to the bank.
While Nathan stepped inside to take care of the payment, Faye waited in the driver's seat, her mind buzzing with thoughts about the items she had acquired at the convention. With Cortana accessible via Nathan's device left in the car, she saw an opportunity to discuss her ideas.
"You know, Cortana," Faye began, a hint of excitement in her tone, "I picked up some movies and games today that might give us new insights into the device's capabilities."
Cortana, ever the strategist and advisor, responded thoughtfully, "Please elaborate, Faye. How do you foresee these items contributing to our understanding?"
"Well, I remember a old Teen Titans show? There was this villain named Control Freak, who has a remote that lets him jump into different movies or shows. It got me thinking about the device. Since it's already fused with you and can to take somethings out what if we could push that further? What if it fused with Control Freak's remote, interacting more deeply with other media formats?"
Cortana analyzed Faye's analogy with precision. "An intriguing proposition. Adapting the device to interact directly with various media could significantly expand its utility, offering new experimental pathways. Such a modification would indeed be complex and require rigorous testing, but the potential is considerable."
"Exactly," Faye replied, her thoughts aligning with Cortana's analytical approach. "If we managed to modify it to navigate or even manipulate digital content like Control Freak does, we might uncover entirely new functionalities."
"I concur," Cortana added, her tone reflecting both caution and curiosity. "Proceeding with caution will be vital. We should start with a thorough analysis of these materials and how they might integrate with the device's current framework. From there, developing experimental protocols will be essential."
"I'll get Nathan on board with this when he gets back and tell him tomorrow." Faye said, spotting Nathan returning to the car.
Once Nathan was back in the car, They then drove to the bank so Nathan could deposit his check. The transaction was quick, a routine deposit that solidified the financial success of their day at the convention. With that taken care of, they headed back to their apartment complex, the evening setting in.
Upon arrival, Nathan, ever the gentleman, assisted Faye with her bags full of purchases from the convention. They made their way to her apartment, where Nathan helped her set down the assorted bags. Each one seemed like a small treasure trove, filled with potential tools and resources that could shape the future of their device experiments.
"Thanks, Nathan," Faye said gratefully as she began to unpack a few items, giving Nathan a quick glimpse of some classic movies and intriguing game titles that sparked his curiosity.
"No problem, Faye," Nathan replied.
After ensuring Faye was set, Nathan left her apartment and headed towards the apartment manager's office. The evening had grown quiet, the usual bustle of the complex settling down as residents retreated to their homes. Nathan's walk was contemplative, the cool air helping him gather his thoughts about the day's achievements and the potential changes coming their way.
Reaching the office, Nathan knocked and entered, greeted by the familiar face of the apartment manager. "Evening," he said with a nod. "Just wanted to make sure everything's in order with the rent. I dropped off the money order earlier today."
After concluding his business, Nathan returned to his own apartment, As he settled in for the night, his thoughts lingered on the possibilities of the device can do. He says goodnight to Cortana and falls to sleep.
THE NEXT DAY...
The next day unfolded with light-hearted ease as Nathan treated Faye to breakfast, a small token of appreciation for their successful ventures. After their meal, as they were enjoying the casual chatter and laughter that came with good company and good food, Faye's phone buzzed with a notification. Glancing at the screen, she grinned. "Looks like my delivery's arrived back at the apartment," she announced with an excitement that made Nathan both curious and slightly apprehensive.
They headed back to the apartment complex, and upon arriving, Nathan was met with the sight of several large boxes waiting in the lobby. Without a word, he began helping Faye, maneuvering the biggest ones with his usual efficiency, while she handled the smaller, more manageable packages.
Once everything was brought into Faye's apartment, the real work began. Together, they opened the boxes and started assembling the contents. As the shape of the life-sized Halo 2 Master Chief statue began to emerge from the amalgamation of parts and packing materials, Nathan's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Faye, how on earth did you manage to get a statue like this? And how much did you pay for it?" Nathan asked, his tone a mixture of awe and concern.
Faye, putting the final touches on the assembly, turned to him with a nonchalant shrug. "Oh, you know, it wasn't that bad. Got a decent deal at the convention. It's an investment, really."
Nathan, his eyes still bugging out at the imposing figure of Master Chief now standing in Faye's living room, could only echo what his friend Jose often exclaimed in moments of sheer disbelief, "Qué!?"
The comic disbelief in Nathan's voice, coupled with the absurdity of the statue's imposing presence in a modest apartment setting, brought a peal of laughter from Faye. She stepped back, admiring her new acquisition with a satisfied smile.
"Come on, it's going to be awesome having him around," she joked, giving the statue a playful pat on its arm.
As Nathan's initial shock subsided and he shared a laugh with Faye, the device softly pinged, signaling Cortana's desire to join the conversation. Given her unique origins taken just before her deployment with Master Chief her insight was both poignant and historically rich.
"It seems Master Chief has indeed made quite the entrance," Cortana remarked, her voice carrying the authority and serenity she was known for, despite the interruption in her expected timeline. "Though my time with him was meant to be in another context, seeing this representation brings a sense of what could have been."
Faye grinned, stepping closer to the device. "Cortana, what do you think? Does the statue do him justice?" she asked, her tone playful yet genuinely curious.
"Assessing... Yes, the representation is quite commendable. It's an unusual experience to 'see' him in this form, yet it's a reassuring presence," Cortana replied, reflecting on her programmed partnership with Master Chief that had never come to fruition in her reality.
Nathan, observing the exchange, added thoughtfully, "I guess it's kind of special, having him here like this, isn't it?"
"Indeed, Nathan," Cortana agreed. "It serves as a poignant reminder of the mission and the ally I was prepared to support."
Faye, intrigued, knelt to examine the base of the statue where a familiar signature caught her eye. It was inscribed with a message from Steve Downes, the voice actor of Master Chief. She read it aloud, "'Finish the Fight! '"
Moved by the words, and recognizing their significance from her programming, Cortana initiated a sound effect that mimicked a salute a digital tribute to the Spartan ethos. Faye, inspired by the gesture, also saluted the statue. Nathan, understanding the depth of the moment, joined in, raising his hand to his brow.
"Finish the Fight!," they echoed together, a shared acknowledgment of Master Chief's enduring legacy.
As they lowered their hands, the room settled into a reflective silence.
Remember Spartans....Spartans never die. They're just missing in action.