Fireteam Shiloh Ch3: Investigative Spelunking

“Hey Lassy!” Solomon called through the comms. “How’s it looking down there?” “I hate you guys,” was the annoyed response. The Warlock treaded carefully through the trickling stream that flowed into the mouth of a large cave. “I can’t believe you’re making me go first.” “You lost the bet fair and square,” said Dakota. “Well how was I supposed to know you are a master marksman?! Or… markswoman? Whatever. The point is, that bet was rigged!” Solomon and Dakota snickered. “Better luck next time Lassy,” said the Titan. “Dakota I must say, you really know your way around a sniper rifle.” Dakota shrugged as she peered through the scope of her worn down 1000-Yard Stare. “I’ve been using this beauty for years. She’s old but she packs a big punch.” Dakota knelt next to Solomon near the edge of a cliff, a large canyon stretching before them. They watched carefully as Lassiter neared the cave. “It’s all clear in the canyon. I haven’t been ambushed for once! PLEASE get down here and cover me.” “You scared Lassiter?” Dakota asked. There was an angry grunt over the comms. “Just get over here. It’s dark in there and I don’t want to get shot again.” Solomon laughed, then jumped directly into the canyon. “I’m coming Lassy!” he called on the way down. The Titan activated his jump pack as he neared the bottom in order to slow his fall. He planted his feet in the stream with a satisfying splash as Dakota landed gracefully behind him. “What do you think we will find in there?” Dakota wondered. “Who knows,” Solomon answered. “Zavala is convinced the signal is Fallen. Since they seem to be in a hasty retreat, I suppose the good Commander wants us to investigate and see what information we can dig up.” “If this is a Fallen hideout, don’t you think it’s odd that there aren’t any guards?” observed Lassiter. “I agree, that is strange,” said Dakota. Lassiter kept his pulse rifle trained on the cave mouth as the other two came up behind him. “We are probably walking right into a trap.” “Probably,” said Solomon. “There’s only one way to find out. Let’s go.” The Titan raised his auto rifle and took the lead, following the stream into the cave. The three descended into the cave, keeping an eye on their motion trackers. The darkness soon engulfed them, so they each turned their visors to night vision. The cave went downward in a series of ridges, almost like naturally formed stairs. Stalactites and stalagmites protruded from the ceiling and floor around them, like the jaws of a massive beast ready to devour whatever wondered into its clutches. “That’s not creepy at all…” Lassiter whispered to himself. The guardians made light swishing sounds as they waded carefully down the stream, the water parting smoothly around their boots. The smell of the cave seeped through their breathing apparatus. It was a clean, pleasant smell, but had a hint of something foreign and invasive. “I smell ether,” Dakota informed her teammates. “Great,” said Lassiter sarcastically. “I feel like I’m about to get stabbed in the back with an arc blade.” “Quiet down,” said Solomon. “I can see a light.” Ahead of them, the stream led off to the right. To the left was an opening in the cave wall through which came a faint glow. The guardians switched off their night vision as they crept through the opening one by one. The adjacent chamber that the guardians entered was massive. From the ledge they stood protruded a metal staircase that descended into a plethora of various walkways, workstations, and consoles. Several overhead lamps hung from the cave’s ceiling between the stalactites, emanating a dim, yellow light over the chamber. “Unbelievable…” said Solomon quietly. “This is a full scale Fallen operation!” Dakota noticed the yellow banners that clung to the walls and supply crates. “The House of Kings,” she whispered. “Those sneaky pricks,” muttered Lassiter. “What is our plan of action?” Solomon ducked behind a nearby railing and took a quick peek over. “I don’t think action will be necessary,” he observed. “There’s no one here.” Lassiter and Dakota looked at each other in surprise, then looked over the railing to get a better look at the cave. Sure enough, the room was completely devoid of life. Lassiter relaxed and began to make his way down the staircase. “They just abandoned everything? Why would they do that?” Solomon shook his head as he followed his friend. “I have a hunch. I just hope I’m wrong.” [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Post/1371758/227135926/0/0]Chapter 4[/url] [url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/224417569?page=0&sort=0&showBanned=0&path=1]The Hub[/url]