Earth. All that was left of humanity’s galaxy-spanning empire had been reduced to this small bastion merely reminiscent of mankind's former glory. Hanging above the planet in orbit, Rai looked upon the vast blue expanse of humanity's cradle and home. Today, she was placed onto a standard orbital patrol, keeping watch for any extraterrestrial threats, namely a Cabal fleet. However, these patrols never amounted to much aside from looking at far away solar systems and the swirling clouds beneath. It was a good time to sit and think in tranquil silence. At least, it usually was. Without any warning, Rai's ghost broke the silence. "Rai, inbound message from Ikora, I'm patching her through." Her Ghost's high-pitched, female tone lingered in her ears every time she spoke. The Warlock Vanguard's silky-smooth voice filled the cabin. "Rai...I need you down on the ground soon." Rai sat up straight, rigid in her seat, even though no one aside from Ghost could see her. "How can I assist you, ma'am? Don't you handle Warlocks?" "Yes, but this isn't a scholarly issue...I need someone more finessed in war than in academia." "I'd be glad to help in any way I can. Where am I going and what am I doing?" "One of my Warlocks has gone into unknown territory without any preparation or back-up. I'm afraid that she's in danger. Track her down and be sure that she returns to us safely. Here's where she was headed." Coordinates flashed on a nearby console, and a map zoned in on the Eastern coast of Asia. "Tokyo? As far as we know, the Fallen still hold Asia. What could possibly be there?" Ikora paused for a moment, and calmly replied,"It is not my place to say, Guardian. If my Warlock deems it acceptable to tell you, she shall. Hold fast to the light, Guardian." And with that, the line was cut. Rai, looked down, her lips pursed from deep thought. [i]Why would any Guardian head out to the Asian Dead Zone?[/i] Ghost materialized in front of Rai's face. Most Ghosts faded in and out of sight smoothly, as if stepping through a door to nowhere. Rai's ghost was not so elegant, bursting in and out of existence as conspicuously as a balloon popping. "So, what're we doing?" she chirped. "I guess we're headed to Old Tokyo."