Note: Words spoken in the Eliksni language are italicized Table of Contents https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/229522482/0/0 When the first Thrall begin to scramble up the hill, Stella hollers, "Fire!" Her fireteam takes potshots at the Thrall, picking them off as they come. Satisfied, Drevis and I turn back to the crews and Silent Fang, who are organizing themselves and regrouping with their respective leaders. "We're ready to head to the LZ, Vanguard," Senda states, "Let Tarlow know-" "Captain Senda, can you repeat that?" Noel requests. "Hold on," Avery says, "Something's butting in on our signal. Captain Nebo, what's the problem?" "I'm not sure, Commander," he answers. "[i]I hear it, too,[/i]" Drevis clicks. I listen, and hear static buzzing in the background. Something seems to be talking. Nebo speaks up, "Something is-" A feminine voice springs to life on the comms, cutting him off, and proclaims, "You're interesting... Not entirely interesting, but you have promise, though you won't last." "Who is that?" Noel questions. "Nebo," Avery addresses, wanting an explanation. "I don't know, Commander," Nebo puzzles. "This is the wrong time," the voice continues, "You face the Hive, but there are enemies out here you would not believe. When you are done with them, come find me." The message ends, and Avery demands, "Who was that?" "I don't know," Nebo repeats, "It came from Venus. She sent broken coordinates." "We don't have time for this," Avery grunts, "Keis, get out of there. We'll sort this out later." "Yes, Commander," I reply. "[i]Move![/i]" Drevis barks, spurring everyone along. We jog around the Hellmouth. The Redjacks abandon their position and shadow us. "No pursuit, as far as I can tell," Stella reports. Our path follows the curve of the Hellmouth until we come upon a hill, occupied by the crew of Captain Tarlow and Frigoris's Exiles. The spacecraft we had arrived in were settled behind them, accompanied by three Skiffs bearing the markings of House Exile. "I've got eyes on 'em," Tarlow announces over the comms, "Escort, prepare for takeoff." "Ready when you are," the first pilot says. We climb the bank and the crews begin splitting apart towards their respective transports. Several powerful booms crack the sky, and a squadron of Skiffs slips out of stealth, bearing the colors of the House of Wolves. The Silent Fang stop at the crest of the hill, replacing Tarlow's crew as they pile into their ride. Drevis and I meet Tarlow and Frigoris in front of the Exiles. Frigoris studies us balefully. Drevis looms over him with a low growl, and he shies back grudgingly. Satisfied, Drevis strides past him, followed by the Silent Fang. Tarlow puts his hand cannon in its holster and dismisses, "Alright, Baron, you know your job. Make sure we're not followed." Frigoris glares at him, then me. I hold his gaze until he slowly nods. "Good," Tarlow dismisses, "Vanguard." The two of us turn and walk to our escorts. "[i]Farewell, Vanguard of the City,[/i]" Frigoris rumbles behind us bitterly. I board Escort Zero, sitting next to Stella and watching the ramp close up. It slams shut with a mechanical hiss. "Convoy is clear for takeoff," the first pilot blares, "Requesting permission to get the heck out of here." "Granted," Avery answers. The ship shakes and jolts up, picking up speed. "We're headin' home, boys," the pilot hoots. "Well, that Baron wasn't fond of you," Noel observes after a moment, referring to Frigoris, "What's his angle?" "[i]Glory,[/i]" the Eliksni Captain responds sourly, "[i]He would kill any of us if he had the chance. The head of one of the City's greatest warriors or a Wolf Baroness would be an impressive trophy. He would be renowned.[/i]" "[i]Exile scum,[/i]" Drevis spits, "[i]I would remove his head from his shoulders. After docking every arm he has...[/i]" "Don't worry about him," Avery advises, "Nebo, what was that transmission?" "I don't know who it was," Nebo says, "They would've had to have access to extraordinary methods to get that message to us. The coordinates lead to Venus's northern hemisphere. Ishtar region." "Ishtar?" Noel questions, "We just got a random message out of nowhere telling us to go nettle the Vex?" "Must be some kind of trap," Avery ponders, "How is anyone even there?" "What'll we do about it, Commander?" Nebo inquires. "Get me a line with the Winter Kell," Avery instructs, "He's not gonna be happy about this. Safe journeys, convoy. Noel, stay here." "Yes, Commander," Nebo and Noel respond together. "So..." someone comments, seeming to hold back a chuckle, "That stranger wanted us to go and vex the Vex?" Several crewmen laugh, and others scorn his pun. "Oh, Traveler above," Noel groans, "Nebo, isolate the comms, please." The other voices cut out, leaving silence. "Good work out there, Keis," Noel complements, "Glad you're comin' back in one piece."