Mars remains an anomaly. Its return has been studied closely by Ikora’s Hidden, but while they dig into the why of its return, the Vanguard is left to maintain order on the planet. An impossible task as of late with the temporal distortions getting worse with each day cycle. What started as a minor disturbance in a few areas around Savathun’s ship is now rapidly spreading across the planet.
The worst of it is that Golden Age technology is now back on the menu thanks to these blips into the past. For the first time in years, the Fallen are on Mars scavenging anything and everything. No one imagined that the distortions would provide access to technology previously lost to time. And with the Vanguard spread thin across the system, Mars isn’t getting the attention it probably deserves. Although a couple of Guardians are doing their best to help that.
Rezic Cuj strides across the desert towards one of the newer distortions that’s appeared in the last few hours. He hopes to try and beat the Fallen there, to determine exactly what it is they’re searching for, if anything. A part of him wonders if they’re simply scavenging, with no ulterior motive. However, his disdain for the Fallen is bred from more than just the history between the species and the events of the Reef Wars. The Fallen have been ferocious, fighting as if their very existence is at stake. Rezic has been in some of the most difficult skirmishes of his career these last few weeks. And while the Vanguard is busy fighting lucent Hive, escalation into all our war with the Fallen on Mars seems inevitable. Rezic holds his first in the air and drops to a crouch. Behind him, he hears the clinking armor of his friend come to rest.
“What do you see, Rez?”
He clicks his microphone once, sending a nonverbal message to clear comms. The two have been working together long enough. Gus-4 scans the horizon in the opposite direction of his warlock friend. If Rezic is focused on something ahead, Gus will make sure nothing sneaks up on the two of them. The exo titan looks off to his right and left, but the sand dunes of Mars are high in this area, and it seems a storm is kicking up from the west. Visibility is only going to get worse. He remains still, waiting for the green light.
“All clear – for now,” Rezic says over comms. He thought he saw a skiff passing low, between the tall dunes to the east, and he strained his ears listening for the low hum of their engines. However, there was nothing. It must have been his imagination.
“What was it?” Gus asks as he stands and walks to his friends’ side. Gus stands almost a half meter above Rezic, but the warlock has always been the fireteam leader. He’s deferred to his Awoken friend for years and couldn’t imagine following anyone else into battle, but lately the friendship between the two has been under more strain than normal. Gus’ gaze lingers on his friend as his mind wanders to Tissea, and where she might be right now.
A week ago at their usual watering hole in the Last City, one of the other Vanguard members hinted to Gus that he should talk to Rezic about it. Something about the Pyramids, and the Disciple that was killed by the legendary guardian and their fireteam. Of course, anytime the situation has come up around Rez, he quickly changes the subject. Gus can’t help but feel something is being left out.
“Nothing.”
Gus continues to look at him, waiting for him to elaborate, but nothing more comes from the mysterious Awoken. Why does it feel like he’s holding something back, Gus thinks to himself. Before he can open his mouth to ask, Rezic starts back on his march towards the distortion. Gus looks off at him for a moment before following.
“I wish Tissea were here,” Gus mumbles to himself, forgetting the channel is still open. Rezic’s only reaction is a momentary hitch in his step, however Gus sees it. The two say nothing as they continue on towards their mission. “And I wish we could have taken our sparrows the whole way in.” Rezic has been so cautious with the Fallen lately that he’s forced the two guardians to approach each distortion on foot.
The skyscrapers of the ghost town peek over the dunes ahead. A large BrayTech building sways back and forth thanks to the misty veil that the distortion creates from a distance. As the two guardians approach, their paths split farther apart to avoid an ambush. Despite how quickly the guardians have responded in the past, the Fallen have found ways to be quicker. As Gus approaches the rear of the first building, he taps his microphone once to signal Rezic, to which he receives an exact response signifying that Rezic is in position. On the count of three, both guardians breach their respective doors and enter the building.
The building isn’t very wide. As Gus enters, his radar blips steadily yellow directly ahead. He clears the first hallway, checking both ways before turning to his right to circle around. The yellow blip beeps fainter as Rezic turns right at his hallway and the two guardians search the floor in a circular pattern. It doesn’t take long for them to cover everything, and with nothing pinging on the radar, the higher floors are most likely clear as well. They regroup at the front entrance. Gus is the first to speak.
“Do you want to move to the next building? I thought I saw a BrayTech sign somewhere, but this place might have something.”
Silence for a few beats.
“Next building. There’s nothing here.” Gus looks around at the office building with cubicles and desks filled with clutter. Considering the interior hallways haven’t been searched, he’s not sure how Rezic could speak so confidently that there might not be something here worth investigating. Before he can ask, Rezic flashes his light at the wall. A sign is painted: “Hellas Financial Company”.
“Oh,” Gus says. Rezic shuts his light off and turns to the entrance to head towards the next building when suddenly he freezes. A low hum vibrates the building, slowly building into a crescendo. “Shit.”
“Tyr, can you pull the schematics for this building,” Rezic asks his ghost as the two guardians ready their weapons.
“Stairwell is back down the hallway you came, and eight meters on your left.” The message is sent to both guardians, who respond with action, running towards the stairwell. As they approach, Rezic motions for Gus to keep moving around the building towards the back.
“Circle around. Flank them. I’ll draw their fire.” He slips his hand cannon into its holster and un-slings his sniper rifle. The telescopic barrel extends to its full length.
“Copy,” Gus replies, and sprints towards the back of the building. He hopes it’s just one skiff. The last encounter with three ended terribly, especially for the buildings in the vicinity. The Hidden were particularly upset about the fallout from that. Gus erupts from the building at full speed and simultaneously checks the sky for ships.
Thank the Traveler it’s only one, he thinks as he sprints through the Martian sand. House Salvation insignias are painted across the side of the ship as it descends near the building. The only House remaining with any sort of leadership, Salvation has been the thorn in the Vanguard’s side since Mars returned. Every day they work on removing the Golden Age tech and bringing it to Europa to rebuild their war efforts. Each successful capture of this technology brings them one step closer to their return, but not if Gus has anything to say about it. He clears the corner of the building as it descends to drop off the Fallen. Gus readies his auto rifle mid-sprint and unloads a clip into the front of the ship. The two turrets swivel his way as he slides behind the next building and immediately starts sprinting again. The sand Gus slid through moments ago explodes in an eruption of arc-infused plasma as he sprints around the building, charging his ability. As he clears the other corner, time slows down as he launches his attack.
He tosses two grenades towards the turrets at the front of the ship. Both pulse grenades hit their mark and start damaging the turrets. It won’t be enough to bring them down, but hopefully Rezic joins the party shortly. The first Vandal turns and fires at Gus, however his shoulder is already lowering by the time the shots deflect off his shield. The Vandal falls in a puff of ether, and the Captain behind loses its shield as well. What takes Gus by surprise are the three other Captains turning to face him. He punches the unshielded Captain into the ground and pops his barrier just in time as the shrapnel launchers of the others unleash a volley of arc energy in his direction. The moment allows him to stow his auto rifle and pull the shotgun from his back.
“Rez,” he growls into his mic. The warlock should have been firing by now. Gus’ barricade is slowly disintegrating as the Fallen unload their full attention on him. With his shotgun loaded, Gus stares through the splintered cracks of his barricade and tries to figure out a path through the Fallen back into the building. He’s a sitting duck out here. Just as his barricade disappears and he roars into a sprint, the Captain furthest from him loses his head in a puff of ether.
“I’m here,” Rezic says as the second Captain goes down the same way. Gus levels his shotgun at the third Captain and blows his shield away. The shot knocks the beast to its knee and Gus brings the stock of his shotgun down on its head. He looks down at the three dead Captains. The markings on their armor seem different. The shapes painted on the metal look almost…triangular. A bark from the remaining Vandals draws his attention away from the strange markings. Turning, he fires the last two slugs in his shotgun into their chests. He quickly swaps to his auto rifle to check the perimeter.
Suddenly, two loud thuds take him unaware and he spins to see what else the Fallen have brought, however it’s just the two turrets dropping from the ship. It speeds off into the atmosphere before any more damage can be done.
“I took care of those turrets for you,” Rezic chirps into the radio. Gus laughs.
“Thanks to my grenades softening ‘em up.”
“Gus?” the voice of his ghost comes across the channel. It blinks into view next to him.
“What is it, Harker?”
“Incoming Vanguard ship, however it’s not responding to my hails. Whoever it is, they’re coming in fast. Thoughts?”
“Gus, get inside the building. Let me do the talking.” Rezic jumps from the opening of the building and lands with a soft thud in the sand next to them. His ghost, Tyr, appears in the air next to Harker.
“Harker, keep your comms open, but maintain radio silence. We’ll handle this,” Tyr says. If a ghost could squint, Harker did just that. The two ghosts have known each other for years. They see each other as equals, but for some reason Tyr spoke to Harker like a parent would to a child. Harker didn’t like it, but trusting his friend, decided not to push the subject.
Gus jogs into the building as the ship clears the horizon and becomes visible. The guardian drops from the ship as it zooms by in a “hot drop” typically used for entering a firefight. Rezic reacts instinctively by gripping his hand cannon, but doesn’t pull it from its holster. The hunter approaches Rezic with their pulse rifle in a low ready position: out and ready for action, but pointed downward with their finger outside the trigger guard. Rezic still looks at the guardian cautiously. Tyr speaks for him.
“Callsign and Fireteam designation?” the ghost asks. The message was sent audibly, as well as through the Vanguard comm channel. The hunter comes to a stop about ten meters away from Rezic and slowly begins looking between the buildings.
“It’s my first time investigating one of these distortions. Pretty crazy situation, isn’t it?” the hunter responds. Rezic can’t see any distinguishing emblems on their armor, and the voice is unrecognizable.
“Callsign and Fireteam designation.” Tyr says more firmly this time, raising the volume of his message as well. Rezic slides his hand cannon from its holster, but keeps it pointed at the ground. The move was subtle, but still noticeable by the hunter. Behind his visor, Rezic glances at the building Gus went into, checking the windows to see if his friend is providing any cover. Their timing impeccable, Gus triggers the comm channel again, signifying that he’s in a position to provide cover should things go south.
The hunter raises his hand in defense.
“Whoa there. Didn’t realize y’all would be so test-y.” The hunter stows the pulse rifle and raises his hands. “I’m going to remove my helmet, if you’re OK with that.” Rezic nods. A sudden sense of calm, but only slightly, washes over Rezic as he sees an Awoken beneath the helmet. Regardless of the situation, seeing another Awoken helps bring the tension down slightly. Rezic slides his pistol back into its holster.
“Mind telling me what you’re doing here?” Rezic asks.
The hunter checks his helmet over and shakes his head in confusion. Somehow in the last few seconds his demeanor has completely changed. Rezic guesses the Awoken hasn’t been a guardian of the Light for very long.
“Good, my theory about comms within these distortions is correct. We’re safe to talk.”
“Theory? And what do you mean safe to talk? Where’s your ghost?” Tyr asks. Right on cue, a ghost pops into view next to the hunter.
“Listen, this was his idea, not mine,” the ghost responds, and then disappears. Rezic and Tyr exchange a look and then stare back at the hunter.
“It’s a long story and we don’t have much time. My name is Alder, with fireteam Savanna. Technically, I’m not here on Vanguard business. In fact, I’m here without the Vanguard knowing. The distortion is blocking outside communication channels, which is both good and bad for you.”
“How’s that?” Rezic asks, still on edge at what the hell is going on.
“Well, it’s good, because the Vanguard hasn’t been able to track your comms in the last day, but, uh, bad because you have no idea that the Vanguard has asked for you and your fireteam to be brought in on charges.”
“Charges?” Tyr replies.
“What charges?” Rezic asks.
“They haven’t told us any details, but it sounds bad. Real bad. Rumors are brewing. The worst of which are saying you guys have defected, and…joined the Witness.”
“Lies!” The voice comes booming from the building as Gus launches himself from into the air and lands in an explosion of sand next to the warlock and hunter. Alder takes a few shaky steps back as he gazes up at the towering titan. He raises his hands defensively.
“Hey! I’m not the one saying it. I’m just the messenger.” He turns towards Rezic. “Like most Awoken, I’ve heard the legends of Rezic Cuj. When I heard the broadcasts, I knew I had to come find you. Thankfully, I got lucky. I’m here to warn you.”
“Warn us of what?” Gus asks, holding his shotgun tightly.
“The whole of the Vanguard is coming after you.”
The words hang in the air for a few moments before anyone says anything. Rezic knows this has something to do with Tissea. He doesn’t believe in coincidences. The problem is that he promised to hold her secret, to the grave if need be, and that meant holding it from Gus too, which has been one of the hardest tasks of his life. Gus, his stalwart friend, who is always there at his side no matter what threat stands across from them. How can he ask Gus to follow him into this web of darkness?
“Alder, thank you for this. Hopefully one day I can properly thank you for the warning. For now…I’m sorry about this.” Rezic looks to Gus.
“About what?”
Gus’ fist connects with his face in explosive fashion. Alder’s body goes flying into the nearby building with such tremendous force that dust and debris fall from the higher levels. As his ghost blinks into view to scold the two guardians, Gus grabs it and throws the ghost with all his might over the building into the Martian desert.
“Was that too hard?” Gus asks about the punch.
“That’s what his ghost is for. We’ll repay him one day if we get the chance.”
“Why do you say it like that? Where are we going?”
Rezic turns as he calls up his sparrow. He hops onto the floating bike and looks back at the titan.
“Gus, it’s time we get some answers. I told Tissea when she left that I’d avoid following her as long as I could, but I’m not going to trial against Zavala and Ikora without knowing more. If there are crimes to answer for, we’ll answer them together: as a fireteam.”
Gus calls his sparrow as well, and comes to a stop next to the warlock. “Then what are we waiting for?!” The excitement in Gus’ voice is hard for him to hide. He misses Tissea, and he knows wherever she might be, there will be more things to punch, and he can’t wait.
Rezic nods to his friend, and the two kick their sparrows into high gear, spraying sand in twin wakes across the Martian landscape. Rezic’s worry comes to life as their high speed escape draws unwanted attention, although it’s not Fallen. Two Cabal dropships strafing between the immense dunes come into view from the west.
“This is why I said no sparrows earlier,” Rezic says over comms. Gus’ reply is to huddle closer to his speeder and squeeze the throttle. “Tyr, can you and Harker bring the ships in. We’ll be making a quick exit.”
“Bringing the ships this close to the surface will make for easy targets for those dropships. Mind if I suggest something?” Tyr replies.
“Go ahead.”
“See this dune here?” he says as he highlights a mountain of sand a kilometer ahead. “If the two of you can maintain your current speed and launch off this dune, I can have the ships grab us mid-air.”
Gus lets out a hearty laugh. “Oh yes! Just like when we escaped the Hellmouth after killing that Wizard and her coven in The World’s Grave. That was so much fun!”
Harker chimes in, “I wouldn’t exactly call that…fun.”
“Comms please,” Tyr replies. “Maintain course and I’ll make sure the ships are there.”
The two guardians race across the red sand, pointed at the dune highlighted on their HUD, when suddenly two explosions launch pillars of sand in front of them. The sparrows blast through unscathed, but temporarily lose speed. They split apart and crank the engines even harder.
“Fireteam Eagle, this is Empress Caiatl. Your Vanguard leader, Zavala, has asked for my assistance on this matter. Please, do not delay the inevitable. My soldiers will treat you with the dignity you deserve as they bring you to trial. Surrender now.”
“You’ve got to be f-”
Another set of explosions, even closer than the last, rock the guardians and force them to split further. Rezic maintains course, but Gus is too far off to make it at the same time as his partner.
“Harker, adjust your calculations. You two are off course. These two dunes should provide similar escape vectors,” Tyr says. Gus’ HUD updates with two dunes highlighted off to his left.
“Alright, Harker. Which one?” Gus asks. However, Harker doesn’t answer right away. As Gus races towards the dune, he sees Rezic hitting his makeshift ramp at full speed. For a moment, the view of his friend soaring through the air reminds him of the old SRL races. Funny how the mind wanders to old memories in life or death situations, Gus thinks.
“I don’t know which one, Gus. They both don’t give us great odds…” Harker’s voice snaps him out of his daydream. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Rezic disappear as he transmats into his ship from the air.
“Doesn’t matter. Just make sure the ship is there,” Gus growls into his mic as he pushes his sparrow to the limit. The red-orange landscape whips past him fast enough to give him visions of flames. This can’t be the end, Gus thinks. Rez needs me. Tissea still needs me. His sparrow hits the dune and he shoots into the air. The familiar feeling of the transmat starts rippling over his body, but something seems off. He feels himself falling rather than the usual “lifting” sensation. Something is off. No, he thinks.
“Hang on! Making an adjustment!” Harker’s voice fills his head. Suddenly, the transmat effect finishes and he’s inside his ship, but only to see it heading nose first into the surface of Mars. “Pull up! Pull up!” Gus yanks on the yokes with all his strength as the bottom of his ship skims the Martian surface and he clears the next dune just the same as he did with his sparrow. The ship rockets back into the air, heading for the upper atmosphere.
“Are you done messing around?” Rezic asks over their ship to ship channel. Gus taps a few controls to pull up his radar and find his fireteam member. “I could use a hand with these Cabal!”
“Roger that, on my way.” Gus spins his ship around and sets his sight on Rezic’s ship. The two Cabal are closing in on him, firing rockets in tandem. Lucky for Rezic, Gus is in a perfect flanking position. The Cabal ship leading the pursuit had no idea what hit them as Gus strafes across their path and his missiles tear through the hull of the ship. It never stood a chance. “You can handle one ship, can’t you, Rez?” His laugh fills the channel.
Rez slams on the brakes and maneuvers beautifully behind the remaining Cabal, using the debris of its destroyed friend as distraction. Before the Cabal can react, a barrage of missiles tear them apart. The ship goes down in smoke and flames.
“I think we handled that beautifully,” Gus says as the two guardians leave the atmosphere, preparing to jump.
“I’m not sure if ‘beautiful’ is the word I would use, but successful nonetheless,” Tyr replies.
“We need to get moving before any more ships find us. We left a trail that anyone could follow,” Rezic says.
“Where to?” Gus asks.
“It’s time for us to pay a visit to Europa. There’s someone we need to meet with first.”
“Oh, not her, Rez. She creeps me out.”
“We don’t have a choice. No one else knows the pyramid on Europa better.”
As the two ships clear the atmosphere, Rezic opens the Vanguard comms momentarily to check the latest message. A familiar, yet frightening, voice greets his ears.
“ – channels. I repeat: All active fireteams in the vicinity of Mars, scour the planet’s surface for Fireteam Eagle. They are to be treated as hostiles with extreme caution. One of our own has already been attacked. Report any findings on Vanguard channels. I repeat – ”
Gus’ voice comes across on their private channel.
“Did you just hear that too?”
“Just heard. Let’s take the long way to Europa.”
“Roger that. Maybe it’s time for me to find some less-bulky armor to blend in.” The channel fills with his hearty laugh. Rezic smiles, almost letting out a laugh himself. He knows Gus wouldn’t fit in anywhere even if he stripped all his armor off. At least his friend still has his humor. The road ahead will only get darker if they’re going to find Tissea, and he couldn’t imagine facing these demons with anyone else.
Writing by Adam 