Only On Paper

7 - Praise and Memories

It feels like the first time I've ever actually been noticed when returning to the Guardian's Tower.

I don't mean to say that nobody knows I exist: I've spoken at length with Eva Levante before my first excursion from the Tower. I remember arguing with Master Rahool, the Cryptarch, over the way he handled some engrams I had brought in. I once had to sit down and speak with Tess Everis after she lost a few requisition forms I had given her.

Of course I spoke with the Vanguard, but they all mostly ignored me unless they needed me for something. Lord Shaxx was always trying to get me to fight in the Crucible - something about Warlocks being spongy. I had also seen Lord Saladin come through every so often when he and Shaxx coordinated the Iron Banner Crucible tournament. Considering how much of a treat it is to speak with Shaxx, I mostly avoided even making eye contact with Saladin.

No, this was different. Amanda Holliday - the shipwright - shook my hand after I stepped off my ship. The maintenance crew all gave me nods of approval - for what, I'm still uncertain. I saw Lakshmi-2, usually brooding in her Futurewar room looking down at me as I exited the landing bay.

I make my way over to the Quartermaster, as I need to requisition a new sparrow. Ikora Rey is standing there, leaning against Roni's desk. When she sees me she smiles and begins to walk over. Something about all this seems wrong. Her smile holds no warmth.

"Warlock, it's good to have you back," She says in her cool, fluid voice. "Your efforts in the Meridian Bay will be recorded in Vanguard history. We are lucky to have an asset such as yourself."

I give half a shrug, "It's all part of the job, isn't it?" Her calculated laugh sends my mind reeling back to Mars, listening to the Cabal bark orders over their intercoms. I shake it off, "Is there anything I need to do before my debriefing with the rest of the leadership?"

"You'll be debriefing with the Speaker this time," She smiles coldly again. "I am told that the Order of Praxic Warlocks will have representation there as well."

I'm stunned. The Praxic Warlocks? The only member of that order I have ever known was Eriana-3, and she disappeared into the depths of the Moon years ago. "I'll head to the Speaker's chamber now, then." Without glancing back, I stride off towards the North Tower.

I make one slight detour and approach Banshee-44 at his kiosk.

"I heard you really kicked some ass on Mars, Warlock." He mentions casually as I unwind and untie the red-and-white pieces of that LMG from my robes.

"That's what the word seems to be," I try to deflect. "Hey, I found this in a cache just outside of Freehold. I couldn't get it to fit together and... well..." I wasn't sure how to broach the subject of a Sentient gun.

"It wanted to see me?" Banshee-44 asks in his croak of a voice, then chuckles lightly. "It's not the first time I've seen this gun Warlock, although I'll admit I never thought I'd see him again." He places each piece very tenderly onto a tray, then sets the tray next to his workbench in the back. "Come see me before your next egress and I should have something for you."

I nod in thanks, and then continue on my way to meet with the Speaker. When I arrive in the North Tower I'm greeted by a rather large crowd of people. They're almost all Warlocks, although I think I spy a few Hunters within the body of people. The Speaker is at the forefront of the group.

I should feel relieved to be standing in the presence of the Speaker. Honored, even. All I can feel is a tightness in my chest, not unlike nervousness, just more... animal in it's depth.

"If the report your Ghost sent ahead to me is to be believed, Guardian," the Speaker addresses me from behind his mask. "Then I must say, we are all very impressed." He jabs his arm toward the large white wall on his left, and mission footage begins to play - projected from a source I can't identify.