Beneath Infinity

Welcomings

"You can't be serious."

"I'm being entirely serious, I think Aerel's fireteam can handle it without a problem. What do you think, Ikora?"

"I agree with you, they're more than capable of fending off a few Hive until the jumpships can get airbourne."

"Ugh, really? And what if they're not? Are we gonna lose an entire case of helium filaments just because we took a risk?"

"I don't think there's a problem, Cayde. Why wouldn't Aerel's team be suitable?"

The Hunter Vanguard slumped forward in his chair, propping his head up with his hands and resting his elbows on the table as if his head was suddenly very heavy.

"They're young and brash and prone to mistakes. WHAT? Don't look at me like that, you know it's true!"

"Maybe so, but they're all incredibly capable Guardians. If it makes you feel better we can send another more experienced Guardian along to help?"

Cayde-6 sighed in submission.

"Yeah, that would be good. Who d'you think we should ask?"

"What about Lupa?"

"I guess she would do, yeah. Zavala, d'you mind getting a message off to her? I've got some business to attend to with Dead Orbit again. Apparently they're still threatening to pick apart the older jumpships..."

Cayde stopped short, turning to see whose footsteps he could hear coming down the stairs of the old Hall towards them. Commander Zavala clapped his great hands together and smiled.

"Ah, Brazen! Welcome back. What did you find?"

"Good evening Commander Zavala, Vanguard Rey, Vanguard Cayde. My reconnaissance showed very little Huntsmen activity in the area. I only saw a single scouting party and heard report of one more in my entire time away. Little Blue here, on the other hand, managed to collect a huge amount of Spinmetal. He has already donated it to the procurement teams."

"There was much to harvest, Vanguard," said Blue, pleased with his success. "I'm afraid it will likely take a long time for the same amount to grow back, however - 74 years, if my calculations are correct."

The Vanguard all smiled and nodded their appreciation. Brazen continued.

"There has also been another development."

He raised his arm and sat it on Jacob's shoulder, who was standing beside him, still marvelling at this new environment.

"This is Jacob Darrow, newborn. I picked him and his Ghost up on the banks of the Steelwater. He's from the collapse, revived in Huntsmen territory. I've brought him to you for guidance."

The Vanguard all smiled

"Greetings Jacob, you are most welcome in the tower," said Ikora Rey, the Warlock Vanguard. "We will assign you a living quarters and ration ID. The information will be sent directly to your Ghost so do not worry abut remembering anything. We understand that you will likely want a few days to rest and come to terms with all that has past. Where is your Ghost, might I ask?"

Jacob made to answer Ikora's question when Silver materialised beside him.

"I am here, Vanguard. Apologies."

Jacob looked at her in slight shock, wondering how she knew to come when she did. He decided she must be linked to the microphone in his helmet or something.

Zavala laughed loud and heartily.

"No apology is needed, Little Light. You arrived right when we needed you. We will send you Jacob's Tower information and directions to your living quarters."