Chapter Text
"Hey Vik?"
Caught up in his drawing, it took a minute for Viktor to summon enough awareness to reply. "Hmm?"
"Could you come here a sec? I kind of wanted to run something past you…" Jayce's voice held a touch of hesitation, as if uncertain he should be interrupting Viktor's focus but unwilling to wait.
Carefully hiding a sigh, Viktor set down the sheet of paper he was currently covering with runic sequences. He had managed to hold onto the results of his latest epiphany during the walk from the apartment to the lab, aided by the copious notes he managed to scribble down. Ordinarily he would follow such a burst by scribbling down variations and random side musings, allowing his mind to rotate the pieces like a puzzle lock until a new shape emerged. With a brief mental entreaty to Janna that this interruption didn't eradicate his chain of thought, Viktor crossed the room to see what Jayce needed from him.
Jayce was fidgeting with a sketchpad of his own, although Viktor couldn't make out what he had been drawing. "So there's an idea I've been working on, but I wanted to get your input first. You're from the Under— from Zaun, right?" Viktor gave a quick nod of assent. "When I went down searching for more crystals, I saw a lot of prosthetic augmentation. That's a… fairly common situation, right? I mean, there's a established system of people who perform those kinds of operations?"
Of all the things Viktor had expected Jayce to ask, this was nowhere on the list. Viktor was curious what would prompt such an query, but knew that Jayce would share his thinking in due time. "There is, although the quality can vary wildly. In Zaun the process of augmentation has many purposes, from the purely cosmetic to life-saving replacement, and those who perform such work are equally varied." Unconsciously Viktor shifted into what Jayce had called his lecture tone. "For the cosmetic, there are many without formal training or certification who are capable, though of course some are more reputable than others. When dealing with more delicate, medical grade prosthetics, there are doctors who have the necessary training to perform such operations…" For a moment Viktor hesitated, before cautiously continuing. "Such practitioners are generally under contract to one of Zaun's Chem-Barons, and procuring their services requires negotiating with their Patron."
To his surprise, the mention of Zaun's unofficial rulers only seemed to intrigue Jayce. "Does that happen often? That someone requests medical help from the Chem-Barons?"
Viktor took a moment to consider his answer. "I am not certain how to judge 'often' in this context. It is certainly not unheard of." Realizing that Jayce likely had no notion of what the Chem-Barons actually were, he paused his response to explain. "The Chem-Barons are somewhat analogous to Piltover's Council, but it is not an exact comparison. Zaun is much more tightly focused around its industry, and the Barons each have their own control and investment in those industries. They are business figures, as well as leaders. Therefore their relationship to many is that of employer, as well as representative. If there is a need, it is customary for residents to seek aid from the Baron that maintains control of their particular industry. Occasionally some may look to a different member, though this usually involves either favors or heavy payment."
Jayce nodded, already appearing deep in thought. Sensing that the conversation was only paused and not finished, Viktor reached around Jayce to pull his own lab stool closer. As he did he caught sight of what Jayce had been drawing before calling for his attention. To his surprise the page was covered in medical schematics, starting with sketches that looked quite similar to the braces he wore now, but quickly becoming… more. What appeared to be fully articulated arms and legs were drawn in loving detail, along with… was that the internal components of a rebreather?
"Jayce…" Carefully Viktor eased himself down to sit in front of his partner. "Talk to me, hmm? Why ask these questions? What is on your mind?" Jayce glanced back and forth between his journal and Viktor, as if nervous about Viktor's reaction.
"All this work we've done with Hyperion… testing and exploring how Hextech machinery can interact with and affect the body… it's made me think." For a moment Jayce hesitated, his cheeks darkening, before he continued. "The day I finished forging your brace and crutch, it felt like I had crafted the most important work I would ever accomplish. Something that was made to help take away pain, to improve life - not just any life but yours." Reflexively Viktor opened his mouth to deny that he carried such importance, but Jayce carried on before he could get the words out. "It made me wonder… how could Hextech push that even further? Imagine a brace that didn't just provide support, but actively eased the pull of gravity on the joints… Or one that enhanced muscular strength! Imagine how that could improve the quality of life for people with mobility issues!"
Looking more closely at the open journal pages, Viktor could see that indeed, Jayce had sketched out potential places where Hexite fragments or even full gems could be embedded, along with notes on potential rune combinations. It was an impressive amount of planning and research, and so typical of Jayce, to barrel ahead full force with whatever idea caught his imagination. "This is impressive work, Jayce. Some of these rune combinations are inspired." Partway through the page, the focus shifted, gradually moving from adaptive wear to full-blown prosthetics. "I see that you moved from devices for strengthening limbs, to replacement limbs themselves."
"I just thought… it's not enough." Jayce stared down at the book in Viktor's hands, but it was clear his mind was focused elsewhere. "We said we would help people. I'm not blind; I know there aren't that many in Piltover who would benefit from these, although there are some." Instantly Viktor thought of Ximena, her pretty fillagree fingers. He realized he had never thought to ask, if Jayce had been the one to create them. (But surely he had been; Piltover was not known for its bustling augmentation market…) He was drawn from his musings as Jayce continued speaking. "When I was making trips to Zaun to buy crystals and materials, I saw a lot of body modifications. Even though I was trying to keep my head down, it was kind of hard not to notice." He grimaced, eyes still unfocused as his mind replayed the past. "I know many in Piltover would claim it's a waste of resources, but I wanted Hextech to be for the people. All the people. To make their lives better."
Viktor was reminded once again of why he had decided to risk everything for this man. It wasn't just words - Jayce truly meant what he said. He had seen Viktor's desire to help the people of his home, and rather than call it selfish, disloyal, or wasteful, he had embraced it. Many in PIltover would call this work a waste of time, claiming that it was largely unneeded… completely ignoring that there were many right across the river who could benefit from it. But not Jayce. Precious, idealistic Jayce. A man whose enthusiasm alone could power the city. He wished only to improve lives, any lives, and share the beauty of magic that he had seen as a child. He had faced scorn, ridicule, even censure, and still his passion was undimmed. Was it any wonder Viktor had felt so drawn to him, to his dream?
Placing a gentle hand on Jayce's shoulder, Viktor drew his partner's attention back to the present. "It is inspired, Jayce. You are inspiring. And I would be proud to help make this a reality, to support your dream once again. From what I see here, you have already laid impressive groundwork." Tracing the lines on the paper, Viktor was struck again by how much love Jayce poured into his every endeavor. Viktor's own notebooks tended towards the utilitarian, drawn strictly for function. By contrast every design Jayce drew was beautifully rendered, graceful lines elegantly reproduced in a way that felt almost alive. And yet these were no flights of fancy; every sketch was accurate and detailed, with copious notes on potential composites and technique needed for assembly. Everything artfully enhanced yet completely recognizable… Viktor frowned. Except for one.
Reaching the bottom of the page, Viktor attempted to make sense of the final drawing. It wasn't a limb… or any type of existing augmentation that he recognized. It appeared to be unfinished, but what was already completed appeared to incorporate oxygen filtration… was Jayce designing a new breathing mask? "Jayce, what is this design at the bottom? It appears unfinished, but I can't work out the end goal."
Surprisingly the question seemed to fluster Jayce. "That, uh… it's not finished. I mean, obviously." He looked away, hands clenching in his lap, before hesitantly meeting Viktor's eyes once more, raking a nervous hand through his hair. "It's an ongoing attempt to map out a functioning pair of artificial lungs."
Viktor felt as if the floor had fallen out from under him. There was no way this was a coincidence. But how could Jayce possibly..? "Jayce, why… why did you decide to start such a project? That is quite the leap forward in existing technology." This was beyond ambitious - all of Jayce's other sketches built upon devices that already existed, but this? It wasn't a simple enhancement, it was an entirely new branch of augmentation. Even for Jayce, it was a prodigious undertaking. "Would it not be better to explore the options that build upon existing devices first?" He was unprepared for Jayce to spear him with a look that was equal parts disbelief and despair.
"You might not be able to wait that long, Vik."
Jayce's words landed like a hammer blow. Viktor froze, completely taken by surprise. Gamely he struggled to respond through his shock. "Jayce what… what do you mean by—?"
"Viktor." Jayce's interruption was practically a growl. "I know your health has been getting worse. You cough more, you tire more easily... Why do you think I decided we needed a couch in the lab?" Wait…what..? Viktor had no time to process the revelation, Jayce's words continued to pour out like water from a faucet. "I've seen the speculation in the research notes… you talk of looking for ways to apply the Arcane to healing. But direct Arcane manipulation is risky - we're not mages, we don't have the same understanding of it that they do. We don't get the same feedback. Technology though…" Jayce gestured at the journal still clutched in Viktor's hands "Technology is something we do understand. It's our whole foundation, the basis of every scrap of research we've ever done. So I thought, isn't it better to focus on our strengths, and approach the issue from a different angle? Think about it!" Jayce gripped Viktor's shoulders, as if trying to physically imbue Viktor with his enthusiasm. "If your lungs are failing, Hextech can give you new ones!"
Viktor tried to wrap his head around the sheer implications of Jayce's words. If Hextech could be used to create fully functioning artificial organs… the potential scope of what could be treated was stunning. Could this be true? Do I dare to hope? It seemed at first glance to be an impossible dream, and yet… Viktor had learned to be careful when betting against Jayce and his relentless enthusiasm. He had already made the impossible possible once. When Jayce was truly passionate about an idea, it sometimes seemed as though he bent the very universe to his will.
"You are correct, technology is thoroughly understood by us." Viktor began cautiously. "However… this will require more than a simple knowledge of mechanics. Integration will be key." Gently he traced the lines of Jayce's half-formed schematic to emphasize his words. "Without a more thorough understanding of the body, our design may be lacking, and we have no idea how to approach implanting it." Before he had even finished speaking, Jayce had begun smiling, and all at once Viktor's brain caught up. This was why Jayce was asking about Zaunite doctors… his optimism wasn't as blind as Viktor had believed; he had already realized where his knowledge was deficient. Viktor felt his mouth curl into a rueful grin. "Touché, Jayce. I should know better than to doubt you."
"So…" reaching out to reclaim his journal, Jayce pulled out a pen and began writing notations across the next open page. "The question is, how do we go about obtaining help from someone with the knowledge we need?" Although neither said the words out loud, both men were aware that not everyone in the Undercity would be willing to trust or work with what they perceived as a Topsider project, no matter how beneficial it might be. "From what you said, it sounds like we'll first have to speak with one of the Chem-Barons before we can actually approach a medical specialist. Do you have any insights of which of them might be willing to negotiate with us?" He didn't add the obligatory and pose the least amount of risk?
It was a fair question - Viktor was well aware that not every Chem-baron would be interested in helping to facilitate medical research, no matter the benefits to Zaun. Or could be trusted to uphold a bargain, especially one made with a Piltover-based group. He took his time weighing the pros and cons, sorting through what he knew, what he had heard, and what he had inferred through observation. They had options, although some had definite drawbacks. Still, this was a decision they needed to make together, and Jayce needed facts to make an informed one.
"Hmm, beginning with who I would judge the riskiest option, there is Margot. She has a reputation for being reasonable to do business with. She stays calm during negotiations, honors her agreements, and does not look for excuses to claim insult." Viktor ticked off each point clearly and concisely, allowing Jayce time to absorb the information. "Additionally, she is rumored to have very little interest in the politics of Zaun; she does business with all, both Topsider and Zaunite, and shows no particular bias towards either."
"Oh?" Jayce looked up in surprise. "That sounds like a rare stance to hold. What kind of business does she do?"
"She employs the prostitutes of the pleasure district."
The scratching sound of Jayce's pencil abruptly ceased, leaving a silence so thick you could cut it with a knife. It was broken as Jayce awkwardly cleared his throat. "Okay, right…" Quickly he resumed his note taking. "Never thought a business deal would put us in bed with the local Madam" he muttered absently.
Reaching the end of his sentence, he kept his pencil poised over the page, ready for Viktor's next insight. After several minutes of quiet, he looked up to find Viktor eyeing him curiously, one eyebrow arched in question. "Exactly who did you picture us in bed with? And why have you never mentioned this desire for an additional party?"
"Wha… Vik! I… You..!" Jayce spluttered, unable to form a complete sentence. Color rose in his face so heavily his cheeks appeared on fire. "That is not what I meant and you know it!"
"Forgive me Jayce. You're so easy to tease… I couldn't resist." Viktor fought to smother his laughter. "As I was saying, Margot is in charge of the pleasure district. She controls the local brothels, and also maintains a Cultivair where she dabbles in botany. Her personal establishment, the Vyx, makes heavy use of her creations, which are reported to produce natural pollens with certain effects." Viktor's heavy emphasis and pointed gaze left no doubts as to what 'effects' he was implying. "In this way she maintains her competitive edge without the need for illicit drugs which might endanger her trade."
"Huh." Jayce finished his notations, eyebrows furrowed in thought. "So, calm, reasonable, mostly apolitical, and clever enough to hold an edge against the local drug trade without taking part. Why do you say she's a long shot?"
"Simply put, because she values profit over all else." Seeing Jayce's confusion, Viktor elaborated. "While there is no doubt that Margot values healthy workers, she protects her people to guard her income, not out of any care for their welfare. A study such as this is not guaranteed a large return on investment, would take some time for any such return to materialize, and would take large sums to fund until completed." Watching Jayce's face fall in dismay at the callous logic, Viktor shrugged apologetically. "Additionally, I am not certain that any doctors on her payroll would have the skills we need; it is rare for a brothel worker to face an injury severe enough to require chemtech prosthesis as a solution." While Margot might have a reputation as relatively easy to deal with, few dared to cause trouble while in her domain; she was fully capable of dealing out retribution for any infractions, and did so swiftly.
"Okay, so…" Jayce took a deep breath and rolled his shoulders, as if physically shaking off his heavy emotions. "Margot might work as a last resort, but likely not our first choice. Who's next on your internal list?"
Mentally flipping through to the next name on his list, Viktor took a moment to order his thoughts before continuing with his briefing. "Next we have Renata Glasc. Ms. Glasc is an alchemist of some note within Zaun. She has wide and varied contacts throughout the districts, and avoids the risk of violence by maneuvering those around her to enter business deals, thus tying their interests and making it ill-advised to cross her. She also has extensive dealings in Piltover, thanks to her ownership of Glasc Industries… you might recall our rather interesting experience with the fragrance line, during our visits to the salons?"
The sight of color returning to Jayce's cheeks and his sudden fierce scrutiny of the notes he was writing told Viktor that yes, Jayce did indeed remember their experience. For a brief moment Viktor allowed a tiny grin to cross his lips, eyes sparkling in amusement, before returning to his professional demeanor. "Her holdings within Zaun itself are quite diversified, including the aforementioned beauty products, weapons, and prosthetic limbs." Catching the spark of interest that tidbit produced, Viktor paused as he considered his next words. How to explain the vague suspicions he held, not fully confirmed and yet impossible to eradicate..? "In recent years Ms. Glasc has positioned herself as a benevolent figure, owing to her quick response to several industrial accidents. Many view her as a force for good within the community…"
Hearing the way Viktor's voice trailed off, Jayce paused in his note taking. Looking up to meet Viktor's eyes, he took in the hesitation and uncertainty written all over his face. "What is it, Vik? This all sounds almost too good to be true, and from the look on your face I suspect that's because it is. Is there something about her that makes her a risk? Something that makes you uneasy?"
"There is… a pattern to the efforts of Ms. Glasc." Viktor chose his words carefully, struggling to find words to explain his misgivings. "In the same way her business alliances are strategically chosen to place others in her debt, her intervention in response to several industrial accidents seem targeted. Each offer of aid conveniently comes in an area where her influence has begun to wane, almost as a direct response." The timing wasn't quite regular enough to be described as clockwork, but it hadn't escaped Viktor's notice that there was a fairly narrow window of time before another outreach was made.
"Hmm…" Jayce settled back in his chair with a look of deep concentration. Far from dismissing Viktor's words, it appeared he was considering them carefully. "Could she be engineering the incidents, to set her company up as the local benefactor?"
Viktor was so touched by Jayce's unconditional acceptance of his concerns that it took a moment for his words to register, but when they did he tensed. That… was not a scenario he had considered. Could it actually be that Renata was responding to her own sabotage..? "It is possible…" Viktor began slowly. "However…" His mind raced through the implications. "I would say it is unlikely. At least some of the accidents have taken place within the territory of a neighboring Chem-Baron. I believe Ms. Glasc would not risk courting the wrath of her peers with deliberate sabotage. Although this does not discount the chance that she has manufactured incidents within her own territory."
Viktor watched as Jayce absorbed his reasoning. For a moment he mulled things over, before accepting Viktor's conclusion. "Okay. So, no proof of overt sabotage, but likely not as benevolent as she wishes to appear. Not… great, but honestly you'll probably find just as many here in Piltover who behave the same."
"There is more."
Viktor's somber tone was enough to recapture Jayce's attention. Silently he gestured for Viktor to continue. "I mentioned that many look at her as a benevolent figure. But there are also… rumors. Things only mentioned in whispers. These rumors say that she has no love for Piltover, that she seeks its downfall. Possibly it is nothing; just the idle gossip of those who fear such a powerful figure. But they persist, despite the risks inherent in speaking ill of what is essentially one of the rulers of Zaun. And…" Viktor hesitated briefly, "there are things in Renata's history that raise disturbing questions."
Unable to sit calmly, Viktor got to his feet and began carefully pacing the lab while Jayce looked on in concern. "Ms. Glasc's parents were talented alchemists, their skills even eclipsing Ms. Glasc's. They were also genuinely charitable, using their talents to research medicine to benefit all, and providing care without regard for payment." Clenching his hands around his crutch, he fought to keep his voice level as he turned to face Jayce once more. "Rumors began to circulate that they were beginning a new research project - an alchemical formula that could help increase life expectancy for many here in Zaun. Their work had barely begun when their lab was torched… it burned to the ground, with them still inside. Various stories claim Renata was there as well, but escaped with only the loss of one arm, which she has since replaced with a prosthetic of her own design."
Jayce gaped at him, clearly unprepared for the turn Viktor's tale had taken. But Viktor wasn't finished. "Officially, the crime was never solved. No one claimed responsibility for the attack. Many assumed they had fallen afoul of one of the more volatile Chem-barons, but there were no signs of internal strife or reprisal. However…" Viktor swallowed heavily. "Their charitable work brought them into conflict with several prominent Piltover trading clans, who viewed them as unwelcome competition. After the fire, each of these clans revealed unexpected 'investment ventures' that had supposedly returned record windfalls." The implication was unspoken but obvious: these clans had decided to remove the threat to their income, possibly even stolen their research in the process.
Viktor's words left Jayce stunned. If what he said was true, that would be more than enough motive for Renata to vow vengeance on Piltover. "Janna, Vik. This is… I don't even know what to say. Why would you suggest we work with this person, when you know the truth?"
"Because I cannot prove it is the truth!" Viktor exclaimed, anguished. "I was not exaggerating when I described Renata's good reputation; she is highly regarded by many. She has many contacts in the medical field, and an already established business in the very technology we wish to improve. On paper, she would appear tailor-made to support us. But Jayce… Jayce, I fear for what would happen if we gave Hextech into her hands."
Viktor had barely finished speaking before Jayce was reaching out to pull him close, holding him steady and secure. "If you believe that all of this is true, that's enough for me. You have the experience I lack, and I would trust your instincts more than any corporate record. I trust you, V." Gently he brought their foreheads together, taking a moment to simply breathe, before stepping back, reclaiming his journal and drawing a line through Renata's name. "Okay, so Renata is not an option, now or in the future. Do you have any other options to consider, or should we take our chances with Margot?"
For a moment Viktor struggled to swallow past emotions that seemed determined to choke him. This man… this man will be the death of me… Except, that wasn't true, was it? Jayce was giving everything - his time, his energy, even the full force of his life's dream - to make sure Viktor lived. There was no way Viktor could possibly repay such a gift. But he does not ask me to repay it… Viktor realized. He asks only that I accept it, as I accept the gift of his love. And if this was Jayce's true desire… what else could Viktor do, but support him, as he had in all their endeavors? So, he took a breath, and prepared to answer Jayce's question.
"There is one final man who might be both willing and able to help us. His name is Silco."
For the first time since the conversation began, Jayce's eyes lit up with a glimmer of recognition. "I think I know that name. The Kiramman's had business dealings with him, I believe. Of course, I never met him…" Jayce gave a wry grin. "At the time I wasn't deemed valuable enough to show off at such high level functions. But I know I heard his name mentioned on occasion, when I was visiting Cait."
Viktor was not surprised to hear that Silco would have business dealings with Jayce's Patrons; the man wielded a considerable amount of influence. (Nor was he surprised at Jayce's exclusion. The Kirammans were exacting about maintaining their 'image', something that had caused Jayce a great deal of stress throughout his academic career, as he tried to match their image of perfection.)
"That is not terribly unexpected. Among Topsiders, Silco is known as The Industrialist. He has made considerable money through his connection to the shipping industry; he maintains several airships that cover a wide range of goods. He also deals directly with many of Piltover's clans through his connections to the mines, supplying raw materials to the trade guilds." The mention of a mining connection instantly snagged Jayce's full attention.
"I think the Talis forge might have done some business with him as well!" Jayce exclaimed, still scribbling notes. "After my father died the administrative work of the business was handed to my Uncle; he handled most of the day to day. But I seem to recall at one point they had issues with their original supplier. I think the quality of their metals was deemed inferior? Uncle Giopara decided to open negotiations with a new supplier, one 'closer to home' he said. I think it might have been Silco…"
Now that was a surprise, but not an unwelcome one. "That could work in our favor; Silco values those of the working class, even among Topsiders. He would respect the legacy of your family, and your efforts to leverage it in aid of Zaun." Viktor's words brought a small flush of pride to Jayce's cheeks, prompting a fond grin in return. So easily flattered… In the early days of their partnership he had assumed that Jayce's reactions were merely ego, but it wasn't long before he recognized the real reason: Jayce felt a constant need to be helpful, to provide assistance to others, and having those efforts recognized gave him a sense of validation. Seeing his reaction to praise was always so endearing…
Coughing slightly, Viktor hurried to continue before Jayce caught him staring. "Of course, this is merely the start of Silco's interests. He invests a great deal of capital into several hospitals throughout Zaun. As mentioned earlier, he also maintains connections in the mining industry. He controls a fair percentage of the manufacturing sector; many of the goods from his factories are funneled to Piltover to be shipped out via his airships. He is a shrewd negotiator, preferring not to engage a situation without being aware of every angle. He values loyalty above all else, making him a reliable business partner, but an unwise figure to cross." Jayce gave a nod of acknowledgement, pen moving furiously once again.
"He is also, depending on which rumors you believe, responsible for either beginning or ending a drug empire."
Again Jayce's writing stuttered to a halt. "Uhhh, V? You, ah, you want to elaborate on that?" There was a distinct edge to his voice, despite his efforts to sound calm. Viktor fought valiantly to keep a neutral face.
"Before I begin, there is something you must understand about Silco. His power does not only stem from his holdings. Beyond his investments and his role as one of the Chem-Barons, it is his title that grants him influence over his peers." Seeing Jayce beginning to open his mouth, Viktor held up a hand to forestall his questions. "I will explain. But it will take some time." Both men reclaimed their seats as Viktor contemplated the best way to condense more than 6 years of whisper and rumor into coherent order.
"You've realized by now, I'm sure, that I do not have a last name." Jayce nodded, remembering the absolute chaos that had caused with the reporters. (It had taken biting his cheek to keep from blurting out that the reporters should simply print Jayce and Viktor Talis. Viktor had pulled a last name from what he called 'a former mentor'; Jayce managed to keep his pout mostly contained.) "It is rare for a Zaunite to have one. It is not a hard and fast rule of course - Zaun is a melting pot, with many who came from other cultures, even those who left or were cast out from Piltover. Some maintain a family name, but many do not. In place of this, when an individual gains recognition, they may become known by a… title, of sorts." Viktor shrugged lightly. "It is not a highly formal system, nor is it always universal. But gain enough notoriety, and a name will often follow."
"Currently, there are two such men in Zaun. They were both powerful figures in the original Zaunite rebellion. The first, a man named Vander, is called the Hound of the Underground. The second is Silco." Crossing his arms, Viktor leaned back in his chair. "After the Bridge Massacre, both men continued to lead the Zaunite resistance. But unlike Vander, Silco was openly distrustful of Piltover's response; he doubted their desire to negotiate was genuine, and felt that trusting them was a fool's errand. The discord led to a split between the two men. Thus began the career of The Eye of Zaun. Silco began to turn his investments to projects meant to bolster Zaun's defense in the event of war. The hospitals under his control began seeking volunteers for various research projects; rumors began circulating that Silco was researching methods of physical enhancement."
"Several years later, a new drug began appearing in small, sporadic bursts, as if someone was releasing it, measuring it's effects, and then refining it. There was no proof of Silco's involvement, but every appearance began in Silco's territory before branching out to further districts." Given his knowledge of certain of Zaun's denizens, Viktor had his own idea on who was responsible, but left them unspoken. He had no proof, after all, that the Doctor was on Silco's payroll… " The locals called it Shimmer, and some of its side effects were… odd for something intended as a party drug, but potentially useful to someone looking to enhance fighting capabilities."
"But Vik," Jayce broke in, confused. "I don't understand. Wasn't Piltover's response to open full negotiations with Zaun? I know it hasn't been formally declared as a separate nation, but they have total ownership of their economic infrastructure, and representation on the Council." In fact, there were ongoing negotiations even now; gradually easing tensions and expanding the powers of Zaun as a self-governing annex.
"This is true. Eventually it became apparent that Silco's fears would not come to pass." Privately, Viktor was of the opinion that Silco was fearful of becoming irrelevant in a world that finally knew peace, that he feared losing his purpose without the battles that had made him. But who was Viktor to judge; he had not faced the struggles of Silco and his generation. "Two years ago Silco suffered a major setback; one of his chemical plants ignited in an explosion, but not before people reported hearing horrific sounds: screams, monstrous roars, and heavy fighting. Not long after, Silco and Vander held a meeting, and since then there has been relative peace between the two men. Silco has continued to grow his investments, and as such his financial power is considerable. But his true power is not measured simply in money and manufacture, and it must be respected."
For a few minutes Jayce considered everything he had just learned. "V… if what you say is true, it sounds like he also has no great love for Piltover. How can you be sure that he'll help?"
A fair question, but also one that Viktor could easily answer. "Because he does love Zaun, and he will see the potential in what you propose. Silco is above all a pragmatic man; there is great benefit to be had from your research, and he will see that you are sincere in your desire to help the people." Viktor smirked as a slightly humorous thought occurred to him. " Additionally, he may consider it a welcome chance to achieve something that doesn't immediately put him in conflict with his other half."
Viktor's words brought Jayce's head snapping back up so fast, Viktor was afraid he would develop whiplash. "Is that… um, are you just speaking metaphorically?"
Viktor raised an eyebrow in response. "You are asking me to speculate on the love life of the two greatest shadow leaders currently active in Zaun?" he returned, voice dryer than the sands of Shurima. The resulting panic was priceless.
"Ah, nope! Not at all, not my business, forget I even asked!" Dear Janna, had Jayce's voice ever reached that high before? Viktor struggled against the urge to laugh, before returning to the topic at hand.
"At any rate, I told you this so that you would understand the true scope of the man we would potentially be negotiating with. He holds immense influence and political power, but he also has investments into several fields that would be beneficial to our efforts. He has the money to see it through. And he has the desire to help that many of his peers lack." Indeed, the more that Viktor thought the matter through, the more he favored this potential solution. He would never dream of proceeding without Jayce's agreement, but there were many more pros than cons to be had here, in Viktor's opinion. However… did Jayce agree?
For several minutes Jayce stared at his notes, a vacant look in his eyes as he processed everything Viktor had told him. Viktor could practically see the gears turning as Jayce weighed pros and cons, considered potential risks, debated means and motives. Viktor had been as comprehensive as possible with his explanations, but even so there were some things that relied on pure speculation, rumor, or guesswork. Judged on paper, none of the candidates were completely sure, but risks and benefits could appear wildly out of sync with what Viktor felt was reality. Still, he could not demand that Jayce ignore his own instincts, and if he felt that Viktor's intuition was off…
"Then we should approach Silco with our offer."
Viktor jerked his head up to meet Jayce's gaze, unaware until that moment that he had lowered it in his anxious spiral. There was a fierce resolve in Jayce's eyes - the same resolve that had so captured Viktor's attention the first time he ever encountered his partner. I was trying to create Magic! "Jayce," Viktor began hesitantly, "are you sure? Many in Piltover would think twice, even thrice, about treating with The Eye of Zaun. He is a dangerous man, it cannot be denied."
"Just answer one question." Jayce's voice was firm. "Do you honestly believe that Silco is the best option? That he'll give us the best chance of success?"
When Viktor slowly nodded in response, Jayce smiled. "Then that's all I need to hear. I told you V - I trust you. You know these people and the politics of Zaun far better than I could ever hope to. If you think this decision is the right one, then I believe you."
"Jayce…" Viktor whispered, voice unsteady. "Do you truly… truly believe that you can…" Unable to bring himself to say the words, his voice trailed off into silence. For a handful of seconds Jayce was still, before understanding broke over his features. Standing from his chair, he urged Viktor to his feet before carefully pulling Viktor back into his arms.
"Yeah, Vik." he murmured in return. "I do. I believe that we can save you." There was a quiet strength in his voice as he emphasized the we. "And when we do, it will mean that so many others can be saved as well. A fitting legacy for you, partner mine." Tenderly his arms tightened around Viktor's shoulders. "But for me, the only legacy I need is the knowledge that Hextech saved you."
"Jayce…" For a handful of minutes Viktor allowed himself to quietly shake, sheltered by forge-strengthened arms, before pulling himself together and stepping back. "Very well. We will open negotiations with Silco regarding the research of artificial lungs, for which we will require the participation of one trained in medicine."
Jayce was already at his desk, gathering various papers into a folder. "I actually already have a basic proposal outline here. It details all the design work I've done up until now, notes the gaps in our knowledge, and outlines the various materials we've used in the past for our manufacturing trials." Turning back around, he held up the papers for Viktor's inspection. "How soon can we attempt to arrange a meeting with Silco?"
Viktor eyed the lab windows, taking note of the fading light. "If you feel prepared, we could attempt it immediately."
"What?" Clearly Jayce hadn't expected that response. Viktor grinned at Jayce's incredulity.
"As I mentioned, Silco and Vander reached a tentative truce after Silco's abandonment of his previous plans. In an effort to show a united front, Silco returned to spending time at Vander's bar, The Last Drop. He can often be found their during the evening hours, and it represents the best opportunity to speak to him without prior appointment." Viktor gestured to the setting sun visible through the window. "Unlike Piltover, Zaun flourishes at night. If we leave now, we could arrive with plenty of time to seek an audience. The question is, do you feel comfortable proceeding?"
"Of course!" Quickly Jayce reached back to grab his jacket and keys. "We can stop by my apartment on the way; I can change into something a bit less eye catching. And maybe we can grab dinner afterwards? Hopefully celebrate the start of a new venture!"
How like Jayce it was, to work himself up before they had even begun. But perhaps, just this once, his enthusiasm was warranted. Almost against his will Viktor felt excitement stirring in his heart. "Yes Jayce. If the night goes well I will be happy to share an late dinner with you. In fact I have the perfect place in mind; they serve the best chowder you will find on either side of the river."
Eagerly Jayce followed Viktor out of the lab, allowing the door to slam shut in the process. The violent motion sent a small breeze wafting through the lab.
Atop Viktor's desk, a single sheet of paper was sent fluttering to the ground, where it rested, forgotten in the empty room.